**Executive Summary**
On June 19, 2026, the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) showcased two acclaimed documentaries in its Homage section, paying tribute to maestros of photography and Indian classical music. The screenings focused on the lives and works of photographer Raghu Rai and mridangam legend Palghat Raghu. Media professionals seeking interviews with filmmakers are directed to contact the MIFF media desk.
**Key Points / Main Content**
**Tribute to Raghu Rai**
* **Film Title:** *Raghu Rai: Hearing Through the Eyes*, directed by Suvendu Chatterjee.
* **Career Highlights:** Traces Rai’s journey, including his 1977 nomination to Magnum Photos by Henri Cartier-Bresson.
* **Artistic Philosophy:** Explores the concept of "darshan," defined as a spiritual and emotional connection between the photographer and the subject.
* **Content:** Showcases iconic photographs of Mother Teresa, the Taj Mahal, and historical events, alongside a generational dialogue with his daughter, filmmaker Avani Rai.
**Tribute to Palghat Raghu**
* **Film Title:** *Tala and Rhythm – Mridangam Played by Palghat Raghu*, directed by Shyam Benegal and produced by the Films Division of India.
* **Subject Matter:** Examines the mridangam’s role in Carnatic music, focusing on the concepts of *tala* (rhythmic cycles) and complex beat structures.
* **Technical Insights:** Demonstrates specific playing techniques, including finger movements, tonal variations, and rhythmic patterns.
* **Cultural Significance:** Emphasizes the importance of discipline and the "guru-disciple" oral tradition in sustaining Indian classical music.
**Impact Analysis**
**Audiences and Film Enthusiasts**
**Impact**
Viewers gained a deeper appreciation for India’s artistic and cultural heritage through insights into the lives of celebrated masters.
**Action Required**
Attendees are encouraged to share their experiences on social media using the hashtag #MIFF2026 and tag @pibmumbai.
**Journalists, Bloggers, and Vloggers**
**Impact**
These stakeholders have the opportunity to engage directly with filmmakers for interviews and specialized content.
**Action Required**
Interested parties must email miff.mediadesk@pib.gov.in with the subject line "Take One with PIB" to coordinate interactions.
**Young Photographers and Artists**
**Impact**
The showcased works provide professional inspiration and guidance on developing a unique artistic voice.
**Action Required**
Aspiring creators are encouraged to adopt Raghu Rai’s approach of seeking emotional depth and "darshan" in their own medium.
Key Entities Referenced
Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF): The 19th edition of the biennial event organized to showcase and promote documentary, short, and animation films.
Films Division of India: The government production house responsible for creating the documentary 'Tala and Rhythm' featured at the festival.
Mumbai: The central location and host city for the 19th international film festival.
MIFF 2026 Showcases
Documentary Tributes to
Indian Maestros of
Photography and Classical
Music
Homage Section Features Films on
Renowned Photographer Raghu Rai and
Mridangam Maestro Palghat Raghu
Mumbai, 19 June 2026
Two acclaimed documentaries, Raghu Rai: Hearing Through the Eyes and Tala and Rhythm –
Mridangam Played by Palghat Raghu, were showcased today in the Homage section of the 19th
Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF). The screenings paid tribute to distinguished contributions
in the fields of photography, cinema and Indian classical music.
Directed by Suvendu Chatterjee, Raghu Rai: Hearing Through the Eyes offers an insight into the life
and work of renowned Indian photographer Raghu Rai. Through photographs and personal
reflections, the documentary traces his creative journey and the experiences that shaped his vision. In
1977, Rai was nominated to Magnum Photos by legendary photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson.The film explores Rai's concept of "darshan", which he describes as an emotional and spiritual
connection with the subject. According to him, photography is not just about capturing images but
about understanding people and their emotions.
The documentary revisits major historical events documented by Rai and showcases his iconic
photographs of personalities such as Mother Teresa, alongside images of everyday life, including
Ganesh Visarjan, the Taj Mahal and Naga Sadhus, reflecting India's rich cultural diversity and heritage.
The film also features his daughter, filmmaker Avani Rai, whose perspective provides a glimpse into
the person behind the camera and creates a dialogue between two generations of image-makers.
Reflecting on creativity, Raghu Rai says that love is the central thread that connects artistic
expression. He believes that a photograph should speak for itself and describes an image as the
coming together of one's inner and outer worlds in a meaningful moment. He also encourages young
photographers to discover their own voice and approach to the medium.
The second film showcased today, Tala and Rhythm – Mridangam Played by Palghat Raghu, was
produced by the Films Division of India and directed by noted filmmaker Shyam Benegal. The
documentary explores the Mridangam, one of the oldest and most important percussion instruments
in Carnatic music.Featuring renowned percussionist Palghat Raghu, the film explains the concepts of tala (rhythmic
cycle) and rhythm in Indian classical music. Through demonstrations and performances, it introduces
audiences to the structure of beats, cycles and improvisation that form the foundation of the musical
tradition.
The documentary also showcases the techniques involved in playing the Mridangam, including finger
movements, tonal variations and rhythmic patterns. It highlights the importance of discipline, practice
and creativity in mastering the instrument.
Alongside its exploration of musical theory, the film emphasizes the rich oral tradition through which
knowledge is passed from teacher to student. It reflects the strong bond between guru and disciple
that has sustained India's classical music traditions across generations.
The screenings of both documentaries in the Homage section offered audiences an opportunity to
gain insight into the lives and contributions of celebrated masters, while deepening their appreciation
of India's artistic and cultural heritage.
* * *
PIB Team MIFF | Supriya Ghaytadak/Mohammad Aqib Khan- Kunal Vyas/Darshana Rane
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