Raghu Rai, who passed away on April 26, had devoted the final months of his life to conceptualising and shaping the calendar. According to an official release, he spent the last three months developing an original series of photographs that reflect both his heritage and his deeply personal vision of India. His work was intended to present a layered portrayal of the country, combining a lifetime of observation with a contemporary interpretation of its people and diversity.
Following his death, the responsibility of completing this ambitious project has been taken up by his daughter, Avani Rai, a photographer in her own right. In a deeply personal statement, she described the project as a tribute to her father’s enduring vision. She emphasised that his work for the calendar brought together his lifelong perspective with a modern expression of India’s identity, something he remained passionately committed to throughout his career. She stated that completing the project is both an emotional and artistic continuation of their shared bond, describing it as a way to remain connected to his legacy and preserve his way of seeing the world through photography.
Sølve Sundsbø, who also shot the 2026 edition of The Cal™, described the collaboration as a significant opportunity to explore India through a global artistic lens. He affirmed his commitment to honouring both the country and Raghu Rai’s memory, underscoring the collaborative effort as one rooted in respect and creative excellence.
The Pirelli calendar has a long history of producing culturally and artistically influential editions. Among its most notable milestones, the 1972 edition featured Sarah Moon as its first female photographer. The 1987 edition, shot by Terence Donovan, was groundbreaking for being photographed entirely with Black models, including a teenage Naomi Campbell. The 1994 edition by Herb Ritts showcased supermodels such as Cindy Crawford and Kate Moss. In 2013, Steve McCurry captured portraits of women in Brazil, reflecting the country’s evolving social and economic landscape. The 2016 edition, photographed by Annie Leibovitz, featured influential women from diverse fields, including Yoko Ono, Patti Smith, and Serena Williams.
The 2027 edition stands poised to join this legacy as a defining artistic statement, not only celebrating India’s cultural depth but also serving as a posthumous tribute to one of the country’s most revered visual storytellers. By merging Raghu Rai’s final creative vision with international collaboration, the project is set to become both a historical milestone and an emotional homage within the global photography landscape.
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