A pivotal date in Bollywood history, January 20, 2010, saw cinematography legend VK Murthy shatter glass ceilings by clinching the Dadasaheb Phalke Award—the first for any cameraman in its 41-year history. Bestowed for his 2008 body of work, it crowned a career defined by visual brilliance.
As India’s film industry dominates global output, the spotlight often misses the crew making magic happen. Cinematographers stand at the heart of production, sculpting mood through lighting, lens choices, and dynamic shots that elevate stories to unforgettable heights.
Murthy’s partnership with visionary Guru Dutt birthed enduring gems. Pyaasa’s brooding intensity, Kaagaz Ke Phool’s dreamlike haze, Chaudhvin Ka Chand’s romantic glow, and Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam’s haunting elegance—all owe their allure to his revolutionary black-and-white cinematography.
Studied in film schools today, Murthy’s techniques bridged art and technology. His long-awaited honor validates the technical backbone of cinema, urging the industry to celebrate all contributors equally. This anniversary reaffirms that behind every blockbuster lies the quiet genius of craftsmen like Murthy.