Goa, April 26 -- Raghu Rai, one of India's most celebrated photographers whose work captured the country in its many moods and moments, passed away in the early hours of Sunday at a private hospital. He was 83.

His son, Nitin Rai, confirmed that Rai had been battling cancer for some time. "Dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer two years ago but he was cured. Then it spread to the stomach, that too was treated. Recently, the cancer spread to his brain, along with age-related complications," he told PTI.

Rai is survived by his wife Gurmeet, son Nitin, and daughters Lagan, Avani, and Purvai. His last rites will be performed at Lodhi Crematorium at 4 pm on Sunday.

Born on December 18, 1942, in Jhang, Punjab (now in Pakistan), Rai initiall...