November 2023 marked a significant milestone in cinematic history as the centenary celebrations for the legendary cinematographer, VK Murthy, commenced. This momentous occasion set off a year-long homage that has brought together the filmmaking community to pay tribute to a visionary whose influence permeates Indian cinema. Among the celebratory events was a heartwarming gathering hosted by senior students of SJ Polytechnic College, Bengaluru. The event, led by esteemed veteran cinematographer BS Basavaraj, honored three distinguished cinematographers — Dilip Dutta, Srinivas Mahapatra, and Ghanashyam Mahapatra.
These illustrious honorees were all part of the pioneering batches of SJ Polytechnic, a nurturing ground for cinematic talents since its inception. Ghanashyam Mahapatra proudly holds the Jaydev Purashkar, a prestigious award, for his substantial contributions to Odiya cinema. “Our seniors have made remarkable contributions to the field of cinema,” acknowledged Basavaraj, a revered figure known for his work with directors like Puttanna Kanagal. As fellow alumni of SJP, the initiative to felicitate these stalwarts resonated profoundly with Basavaraj and his peers.
In a show of deep respect and camaraderie, a group of former alumni traveled to Odisha, the home base for Ghanashyam and Srinivas. Meanwhile, Dilip joined the gathering from Mumbai. Basavaraj, who boasts the honor of the Rajyotsava Award from the 1980 SJP batch, reflects nostalgically on their formative years. “SJP provided us with comprehensive training in cinematography, direction, and screenplay writing,” he reminisces. “We were equipped with knowledge of every facet of filmmaking.”
The curriculum at SJP was rigorously holistic, extending to the nuances of photography, printing, and editing. A dedicated film appreciation course further enriched their understanding, ensuring a well-rounded cinematic education. Dilip, who had a flourishing career in Filmistan Studios in Mumbai, shares semblance with VK Murthy, himself a native of Mysuru who forged an illustrious career in Hindi cinema. Despite a sparse footprint in Kannada films, with only “Hoovu Hannu” (1993) under his belt, Murthy’s legacy looms large over Bollywood.
. “Cinematographers, in Murthy’s early days, were often employees of studios, receiving a regular salary,” Basavaraj elucidates. Murthy’s close association with Guru Dutt’s production house defined much of his career, during a time when the studio system dominated filmmaking.
Basavaraj shares insights into the bygone era where films could take years, if not decades, to complete — a stark contrast to today’s independent filmmaking, driven by different financial models. “In Murthy’s era, collaboration was a lengthy commitment,” Basavaraj explains. “Mughal-e-Azam, for example, took over ten years to make.”
Murthy was part of SJ Polytechnic’s pioneer class. Meanwhile, Srinivas, who graduated in 1961, forged a thriving career in Mumbai, working across cinematic landscapes in both Hindi and Odiya films, as well as documentaries. His collaborations spanned a galaxy of stars, from Mala Sinha to Dharmendra. Similarly, Dilip Dutta, hailing from the 1963 batch, expanded his repertoire across Hindi, Odiya, Bhojpuri, and Marathi cinema, in addition to producing documentaries for the Odisha Government and the Indian Film Division.
Even in his nineties, Dilip remains active in Mumbai, with his sons following in his venerable footsteps as cinematographers themselves. Basavaraj recounts fondly, “Dilip spoke passionately about films like Choti Si Mulakat, Bazaar, and Baazigar. He plans a visit to SJP to revisit his beloved campus.”
For other notable alumni like S Visveswarappa, a distinguished photographer for several Chief Ministers, SJP was a gateway to a boundless realm of creativity. “Felicitating our seniors is a fitting tribute,” Visveswarappa affirms, adding that the limitations of theoretical learning at SJP were surmounted by practical field experiences that propelled their success.
Ramasagara Nanjunda Shivarama Reddy, another SJP alumnus, highlights Ghanashyam Mahapatra’s enduring legacy. Despite his accolades in Hindi cinema, Ghanashyam’s dedication to Odiya culture remained unwavering, marked by ventures like Konarak Films Pvt Limited and acclaimed documentaries that promoted regional art forms.
Thus, as SJP and its alumni celebrate VK Murthy’s centenary, they forge anew the indelible connections woven through the shared tapestry of cinematic tradition and educational excellence, standing united in the echo of a maestro’s enduring inspiration.
