Thaindian News

New Delhi, Jan.19 (ANI): Legendary cinematographer V K Murthy has been chosen for the Dada Saheb Phalke Award for the year 2008.

The award is conferred annually by the Government of India for outstanding contributions to films, based on the recommendations of a Committee of eminent persons.

This is the first time ever that a cinematographer has been selected for this award.

Murthy is credited with providing some of Indian cinema’s most breathtaking visual moments embedded in the collective memory of the nation.

He broke new grounds, ushered in modern and highly sophisticated techniques and brought in rich visual artistry into Indian cinema.

Murthy shot India’s first cinemascope movie ‘Kagaz Ke Phool’ and is best remembered as the cinematographer for all of Guru Dutt’s films.

Murthy is regarded as one of the pioneers of colour cinematography.

His picturization of the title song of ‘Chaudavin ka Chand’ mesmerised the audience.

Murthy in fact started his career in cinema as a violinist. Classics like ‘Kagaz Ke Phool’ and ‘Sahib, Bibi aur Ghulam’ won him Filmfare Awards.

Murthy’s other well known works include ‘Baazi’, ‘Jaal’, ‘Chaudavin ka Chand’, ‘Pyasa’, ‘12 O’Clock’, ‘Ziddi’ etc.

He also partnered for ‘Pakeezah’ and ‘Razia Sultan’. His working life spans four long decades, from his early collaboration with Guru Dutt from the 50’s to his work in Shyam Benegal’s mega-serial ‘Bharat Ek Khoj” and one of the most acclaimed Kannada movies titled ‘Hoova Hannu’ in 1993. He is an inspiration to a whole generation of cinematographers.

Born in 1923 in Mysore, Murthy earned his diploma in cinematography from S J Polytechnic, Bangalore in its very first batch 1943-46.

As a student, Murthy also took part in India’s freedom struggle and was jailed in 1943 and is a recipient of freedom fighter’s pension.

Having spent nearly five decades in Mumbai, the ace cinematographer is now based in Bengaluru. He is a recipient of the IIFA Lifetime Achievement Award at Amsterdam in 2005.

Murthy will be the 56th recipient of the Dada Saheb Phalke Award.

The award for a particular year is given along with the National Film Awards. The President of India will confer the award which carries a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakh, a Swarna Kamal and a shawl. (ANI)