Technicians` role has become minimal in cinema: V K Murthy

Mumbai: Legendary cinematographer V K Murthy, the man behind Guru Dutt`s timeless classics like `Pyaasa` and `Kagaz Ke Phool`, feels that the role of technicians has become less important in Indian cinema over the time.

"Machines have replaced technicians like me in films. Their role is becoming less important. I don`t even watch films now because everything has changed," Murthy, 89 told reporters from Bangalore. In a career of 60-years, Murthy has seen a lot of changes in Indian cinema which completes 100 years in 2013. "The taste of cinegoers has changed and films are made to cater to them. In our times social issues were relevant and romance was integral part of movie but the language of cinema is different now," said Murthy. Recipient of Dada Saheb Phalke award, Murthy became Guru Dutt`s regular cameraman from his very first film. The cinematographer went on to work on some of the most iconic black and white films of that era. He also shot India`s first cinemascope movie "Kaagaz ke Phool". Recalling his first job with Guru Dutt, Murthy said, "Guru Dutt was working on his directorial debut `Baazi` and I was an assistant at Mumbai`s Famous studio. When I suggested him about some shots, he asked me to shoot and that was my first break. It was also the beginning of our association which lasted till he was alive. I was fortunate to work with him." Murthy feels that 50s and 60s were the golden period in Hindi cinema with filmmakers like Guru Dutt, Mehboob Khan and Bimal Roy directing some of the finest films. "Bimal Roy was more realistic in his approach while `Pyaasa` is the classic example of Guru Dutt style of filmmaking which was more subtle. Excellent picturisation and songs of Sahir (Ludhianvi) added its beauty and made it an all time classic." After Guru Dutt`s death, Murthy worked with Kamal Amrohi on his masterpieces, `Pakeezah` and `Razia Sultana` but `Kaagaz Ke Phool` is considered his best. PTI