For the first time in its history, The Cal will host the work of two different photographers: the Norwegian photographer who was the author of the 2026 Pirelli Calendar, and the Indian master Raghu Rai whose recent death has caused deep sorrow. And whose work will be completed by his daughter Avani
Pirelli announces that the 2027 Pirelli Calendar will be dedicated to India. For the
For the first time in its history, The Cal will host the work of two different photographers: Sølve Sundsbø, the Norwegian photographer who was already the author of the 2026 Pirelli Calendar, and the Indian master Raghu Rai whose recent death caused deep sorrow among those who knew him and have
worked with him and his family.
For the past three months, Raghu Rai had dedicated himself to developing the Calendar Through project an original series of photographs that reflect his roots and his vision of India. Pirelli and the Rai family have decided to complete the part of the Calendar created by Raghu Rai. Her daughter, Avani Rai, herself an internationally renowned photographer, said she was honored to be part of the project, fulfilling his father’s intentions. «My father’s work for Pirelli was intended to be a tribute to India, combining his vision of a life with a more contemporary representation of its people and its diversity, something that has always deeply fascinated him. I couldn’t bear the thought of the project remaining unfinished. Bringing him to life is something deeply personal for me, as if I were entering into his gaze and the way he saw India through his camera. Photography was his gift to me — not just as a craft, but as an angle of observation — and that’s how we found a silent, deep connection. Carrying out this project is a way to stay close to him, to keep a part of him alive inside me,” said Avani Rai.
Sølve Sundsbø, former author of the Cal 2026will provide a different perspective of the 2027 Calendar. The sensitivity and innovative aesthetics of Sundsbø’s work, together with Avani Rai’s personal experience and her intimate knowledge of her father’s work, will offer two points of view on an extraordinary country like India. «It is a great honor to be invited again to be part of the Pirelli Calendar. I am very happy to do this together with Avani Rai, paying homage to her father’s legacy. It is an amazing opportunity to explore India. We will both do our best to celebrate the country and the memory of Raghu Rai through this collaboration.”
Above are some shots from the last calendar created by Sølve Sundsbø. Born in Norway, from which he continues to be inspired, he has lived in London since 1995 with his wife and four children. He has created campaigns for Gucci, Giorgio Armani, Hermes and other luxury brandsregularly collaborating with magazines such as Harper’s Bazar Italia, The New York Times Magazine and Vogue Italia. The call to take the 22 shots of the new Cal was the crowning moment of a career «I immediately felt great joy, it is the Pantheon of photographers. To future generations I say: go out, detach yourself from the screens. Don’t look at my work, but go out and do it yourself!»
