Raghu Rai: Waiting for the Divine by Rachna Singh

Raghu Rai: Waiting for the Divine offers an intimate exploration of the life, philosophy, and artistic vision of the iconic photographer Raghu Rai. Honoured with the Padma Shri by the Government of India for his outstanding contributions to photography, Rai remains the only photographer in the world to receive the prestigious 'Académie des Beaux-Arts' Paris Award in 2019—one of the highest distinctions ever bestowed upon a living photographer. Often celebrated as the father of Indian photography, Rai's legacy is profound.

Authored by Rachna Singh, this memoir diverges from the conventional biography format, presenting a narrative shaped by candid conversations rather than a strict chronological account. The result is a deeply personal dialogue, drawing readers into Rai’s creative and spiritual world. Singh describes the book as a reflection of her profound conversations with Rai, capturing his artistic journey and personal philosophies.

Illustrated with Rai’s iconic photographs, the memoir reveals his unwavering devotion to his craft and the philosophies that have shaped his illustrious career. It explores his creative discipline, spiritual mentors, family, and artistic influences, emphasizing not just his professional milestones but the principles guiding his life.

The book provides insights into the creative pillars shaping Rai’s philosophy, including the teachings of his mother, his guru, and spiritual mentors such as Mother Teresa, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Mirza Ghalib, Khalil Gibran, and classical vocalist Mallikarjun Mansur. These influences have shaped both his artistic approach and worldview, emphasizing humility, mindfulness, and the pursuit of truth.

Rai believes that true creativity emerges from a place of emptiness, where the mind is free of preconceptions.

As he explains:

"Most creative work happens when we are empty—when our pure, unsullied selves receive signals from the divine or nature. This connection, I feel, is often missing in modern creativity."

Waiting for the Divine transcends a standard memoir—it serves as a masterclass in art, spirituality, and personal growth. Celebrating the legacy of a man whose lens has not just captured moments but profound truths, it inspires readers to approach creativity with sincerity, mindfulness, and a deeper connection to the world around them.

In the book's preface, Rachna Singh reflects on the inspiration behind writing this biography. She first encountered Raghu Rai’s work in 1984 when India Today magazine published a powerful 10-page spread on the Bhopal gas tragedy, featuring Rai's haunting, gut-wrenching photographs of the disaster. Deeply moved, Rai became a permanent figure in her personal gallery of greats.

Nearly four decades later, Singh reconnected with Rai for an interview in 2022. While his dedication to the craft remained remarkable, it was his philosophy of life that left a lasting impression on her. His words stayed with her, offering guidance during moments of personal and professional dilemmas. She often revisited that interview, finding “nuggets of wisdom” in his reflections. Ultimately, inspired by his artistic depth and life philosophy, she felt compelled to share his story with the world—marking the beginning of her extraordinary journey into the life of Raghu Rai.,

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Setu, January 2025