MAM
Industry gathers to remember their Bhaskar Da
MUMBAI: Friends, colleagues, and admirers gathered on the evening of 24 January to celebrate the life of Dr Bhaskar Das, fondly known as BD or Bhaskar Da, at a packed remembrance ceremony at the Nehru Centre in Mumbai. The atmosphere resembled a rock concert, as people stood shoulder to shoulder to honour the “rock star” of the media industry, in the words of media veteran Meenakshi Menon.
A striking photograph of BD captured his essence—an effortlessly stylish presence, his T-shirt radiating understated luxury, hair tousled as if by a breeze from a southern French beach, and his insouciance evident in every detail.
The evening highlighted BD’s extraordinary ability to forge deep connections. As his brother Sanjay Das shared, “Bhaskar had an incredible gift for bringing people together.”
Despite being a deeply private individual, BD had an innate knack for shining a spotlight on others, learning about their lives, families, and struggles, all while keeping his own life in the shadows, highlighted Meenakshi.
The venue was emotionally charged – some shared their loss, some shared how Bhaskar Da had helped them unexpectedly and expecting nothing in return. Many attendees shared stories of his thoughtfulness and the genuine care he extended to everyone, regardless of their stature. Bhaskar Da was a people’s person in the truest sense—interested not in what he could gain but in what he could learn from others.
“BD’s ability to make friends and influence people was unmatched,” noted one attendee. “He was a friend to all and an inspiration to many.”
The remembrance ceremony was as vibrant and heartfelt as the life BD lived—an event he would have undoubtedly approved of. As those closest to him bid farewell, they reflected on his enduring wisdom and generosity.
“Farewell, my friend,” wrote Meenakshi. “You will live on in our hearts and through the advice you shared. You will be remembered always.”
Bhaskar Da would have liked it if people celebrated his life, rather than mourn his loss or his passing. He lived a full life, like he used to say: “I’d rather have life in my years, than years in my life.”
While, we would have liked him to have both, he chose the first. We appreciate and respect his choice Bhaskar Da. Thank you for the wonderful legacy of relationships, warmth, and a life well-lived that you have left behind. Cheers!.
MAM
Raghu Rai passes away at 83, leaves behind iconic legacy
Padma Shri-winning photographer documented history across 5 decades.
MUMBAI: The lens may have stilled, but the stories it captured will never fade. Raghu Rai, one of India’s most celebrated photojournalists, passed away on April 26, 2026, at the age of 83. He breathed his last at a private hospital in New Delhi after battling cancer and age-related health issues.
His son, Nitin Rai, revealed that Rai had been diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago, which later spread to the stomach and, more recently, the brain. Despite multiple rounds of treatment, his health had declined in recent months.
Born in 1942 in Jhang, Punjab (now in Pakistan), Rai entered photography in his early twenties, inspired by his elder brother, photographer S. Paul. Beginning his career in the mid-1960s, he went on to build a body of work that spanned more than five decades, contributing to global publications such as Time, Life, GEO, Le Figaro, The New York Times, Vogue, GQ and Marie Claire.
His global recognition took a decisive leap in 1977 when legendary French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson nominated him to join Magnum Photos, placing him among the world’s most respected visual storytellers.
Rai’s lens chronicled both power and poignancy. He photographed towering figures such as Indira Gandhi, Dalai Lama, Bal Thackeray, Satyajit Ray and Mother Teresa, while also documenting defining moments like the Bhopal gas tragedy later captured in his book Exposure: A Corporate Crime.
Over the years, he published more than 18 books, building an archive that blended journalism with artistry. His contributions were recognised early when he was awarded the Padma Shri in 1972 for his coverage of the Bangladesh War and refugee crisis. In 1992, he was named “Photographer of the Year” in the United States for his work in National Geographic, and in 2009, he was honoured with the Officier des Arts et des Lettres by the French government.
Rai is survived by his wife Gurmeet, son Nitin, and daughters Lagan, Avani and Purvai. His last rites will be held at Lodhi Cremation Ground in New Delhi at 4 pm on Sunday.
With his passing, Indian photojournalism loses not just a pioneer, but a patient observer of history, one frame at a time.
