V K Murthy who became the first cinematographer to be chosen for the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke Award on Tuesday said he was extremely happy to be bestowed with the highest honour in Indian cinema.
The win meanwhile was been hailed by the film industry as a "historic first" as never before in the past has a cameraman been honoured with the award.
"How do you feel about my winning this award? I am extremely happy," Murthy said in jest when contacted by PTI for a reaction.
The 86-year-old artiste shot India's first cinemascope movie 'Kagaz Ke Phool' and is best remembered for his stunning camera work for all films of legendary filmmaker Guru Dutt.
Cinematographer-director Govind Nihalani who began his career as an assistant to Murthy, said that it was a long deserved honour.
"Dadasaheb Phalke was his own cameraman. All the movies made by him were also shot by him. So Murthy eminently deserves this award," he said.
"I started my career with him in the 1964 film 'Ziddi' and whatever good is there in me as a cinematographer, it was all due to Murthysaab. I am lucky to be his disciple," Nihalani added.
Shyam Benegal who worked with the ace cinematographer for the mega serial 'Bharat Ek Khoj' described the honour for Murthy as "marvellous". PTI
