AP Photographer Rajanish Kakade, Chronicler of Mumbai's Soul, Dies at 55
Rajanish Kakade, an acclaimed Associated Press photographer whose evocative images documented India's political landscape, cultural tapestry, and the vibrant daily rhythm of Mumbai for nearly two decades, has died. He was 55 years old.
Kakade passed away at his home in Mumbai on Monday, February 23, 2026, following an illness, according to a statement from his family. A third-generation photojournalist, he followed in the footsteps of both his grandfather and father.
A Career Defining Mumbai's Visual Record
Joining the Associated Press in 2008 and based in Mumbai, Kakade played a pivotal role in shaping the visual narrative of India's bustling financial capital. His career spanned a vast array of assignments across the nation.
His portfolio included coverage of:
- Major political events and national elections.
- The tragic 2008 Mumbai militant attacks.
- The global coronavirus pandemic.
- Sporting events and cultural milestones.
Before his tenure with the AP, Kakade honed his craft working for the Sakal Group media conglomerate and the Hindustan Times newspaper.
Capturing the City's Contradictions and Intimacy
Kakade's work was renowned for capturing the essence of Mumbai—a city of stark contrasts and relentless energy. He chronicled its wealth and poverty, the communal joys and heartbreaks of the annual monsoon seasons, and the compressed humanity inside its perpetually hustling local trains.
Yirmiyan Arthur, who oversees photos and storytelling for the AP in the Asia Pacific region, noted that Kakade "helped us understand everyday Mumbai, a city of contradictions, with utter honesty." Arthur added, "He was a son of Mumbai and made sure he told its story the right way."
His images conveyed both the vast, overwhelming scale of the metropolis and moments of quiet, profound intimacy, earning him recognition for his integrity and sensitivity.
Remembered as a Mentor and a Beautiful Soul
Colleagues and the journalism community remembered Kakade not only for his professional excellence but also for his character and mentorship. The Mumbai Press Club stated that through his work, he captured defining moments, and through his guidance, he shaped countless careers, encouraging young photographers to pursue truth with courage and compassion.
Manish Swarup, AP’s chief photographer for South Asia, who worked closely with Kakade for many years, described him as a soft-spoken professional deeply committed to his craft. "He possessed that rare, quiet grace of a true observer," Swarup said. "He didn’t just take pictures; he earned the trust of those in his frame. That is why his photographs always stand out—they carry an intimacy and a truth that only a person of his character could capture."
Swarup further emphasized that Kakade was "more than a talented eye for The Associated Press," calling him a steadfast friend and cherished colleague. "We haven’t just lost a great photojournalist; we have lost a beautiful soul, whose kindness was as luminous as his work," he said.
Rajanish Kakade is survived by his family members. His legacy endures through a vast archive of photographs that continue to tell the complex, human story of Mumbai and India.
