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Mumbai Press Club v. chairman Rajanish Kakade dies at 55
JournalismPakistan.com | Published: 23 February 2026 | JP Asia Desk
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Rajanish Kakade, 55, a senior photojournalist and vice chairman of the Mumbai Press Club, has died. He spent 18 years at the Associated Press after stints at Sakal Group and Hindustan Times, and was revered as a mentor who captured major national events.Summary
MUMBAI — Senior photojournalist and Vice Chairman of the Mumbai Press Club, Rajanish Kakade, has died at the age of 55, the club announced Monday in a statement posted on X. His death marks a significant loss for India’s photojournalism community, where he was widely regarded for documenting major national events with depth and integrity.
The Mumbai Press Club described Kakade as a seasoned lensman and mentor who played a key role in guiding young photojournalists. It said his work captured defining moments with sensitivity, while his leadership strengthened the city’s journalistic fraternity.
Career spanning leading newsrooms
Kakade began his career with the Sakal Group before joining Hindustan Times, where he worked for three years. He later joined the Associated Press and had been associated with the global news agency for 18 years, according to the Mumbai Press Club.
Over the course of his career, Kakade received several national and international awards for his photography. Colleagues and peers said he was known for combining sharp visual storytelling with humility and a commitment to mentoring emerging journalists.
Tributes from the media community
In its statement, the Mumbai Press Club said Kakade’s contribution went beyond his images, noting that he helped build institutions and uphold professional standards within Mumbai’s media circles. The club expressed condolences to his family, friends, and the wider community of journalists and photographers.
It is with profound grief that we mourn the sad demise of Senior Photojournalist and Vice Chairman of the Mumbai Press Club, Rajanish Kakade.
— Mumbai Press Club (@mumbaipressclub) February 23, 2026
Rajanish, 55, was not only a seasoned lensman but also a guiding force for generations of young photojournalists. Through his work, he… pic.twitter.com/09fZYqa8Gs
WHY THIS MATTERS: Kakade’s passing underscores the often underrecognized role of photojournalists in shaping public understanding of major events. For Pakistani journalists and newsroom leaders, his career highlights the value of sustained mentorship, institutional engagement, and long-term association with credible global news agencies in strengthening professional standards and newsroom culture.
ATTRIBUTION: Information in this report is based on a public statement issued by the Mumbai Press Club on X and publicly available professional details regarding Rajanish Kakade’s career with the Associated Press, Hindustan Times, and the Sakal Group.
PHOTO: Rajanish Kakade/Mumbai Press Club
Key Points
- Rajanish Kakade, 55, served as vice chairman of the Mumbai Press Club and died, the club announced.
- A senior photojournalist, Kakade spent 18 years with the Associated Press following roles at Sakal Group and Hindustan Times.
- He received several national and international awards for his photography.
- Widely regarded as a mentor, he guided young photojournalists and upheld professional standards in Mumbai's media community.
- The Mumbai Press Club praised his leadership and extended condolences to his family and the journalism fraternity.
Key Questions & Answers
Who was Rajanish Kakade?
He was a senior photojournalist and the vice chairman of the Mumbai Press Club, known for his extensive work documenting major national events.
How old was he and when was his death announced?
Kakade was 55 years old; the Mumbai Press Club announced his death on Monday in a statement posted on X.
What were the main positions in his career?
He began at the Sakal Group, worked three years at Hindustan Times, and spent 18 years with the Associated Press, earning several awards.
Has the cause of death been disclosed?
No, the Mumbai Press Club did not disclose a cause of death in its statement.
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