Noted film maker S.V. Rajendra Singh Babu and writer Uma Rao have unveiled unknown faces of Dada Saheb Phalke award recipient cinematographer V.K. Murthy, who died here recently, at a function jointly organized by Karnataka Chalanachitra Academy and Gana Sudha Belli Mangala to pay tribute to legendary personality of the country’s celluloid world.
Addressing the gathering Ms. Uma Rao recalled the way music supported Murthy in achieving the cult status in cinematography. “Music was a part of Murthy’s life. He learnt violin from a teacher in Mysore and studied music as a major as optional subject in high school. Murthy was fascinated by the orchestra which was supporting silent movies in 30s. He was playing violin for Ramgopal, a noted dancer of that period. Murthy was playing violin for sometime till he got a job as assistant cameraman”, she said.
Murthy could achieve excellence in picturising song sequence just because of his understanding of music and rhythm. During their leisure both Guru Dutt and Murthy were listening to music, she observed.
Murthy rejuvenated Mysore Association in Mumbai and he rejuvenated art wing of the organization by directing plays and acting in them. “Murthy saab was known for his understanding of Kailasam plays”, he said.
Mr. Rajendra Singh, who brought Murthy from Mumbai to hold camera for his Hoovu Hannu in 1993 recalled his first meeting with Murthy in R.K. Studio. “Since my childhood, I was fascinated with the work of Murthy, especially his touch for Pyasa, Kagaz Ka Phool and Saheb Bibi Aur Gulam. I was surprised by the simplistic personality of Murthy and we discussed everything about the craft”, he said.
When he decided to make Hoovu Hannu , his first choice was Murthy. “When asked, Murthy agreed to do the project enthusiastically. To work with his is just like learning in a university”, Mr. Singh observed.
He was very particular about light, lenses and equipment. Never did he compromise with the quality of the film because of the equipment.
“He used to caution us of cancelling shooting in case of defect in equipments,” he recalled.
