The allure of yesteryear’s cinema remains an enigmatic fascination, with the black and white era’s ingenuity in lighting and shadow play casting long shadows into the present. Bridging the eras of old and new within the cinematic landscape stands the seasoned cinematographer BS Basavaraj. Having contributed his visionary skill set to over 120 films, Basavaraj not only carries a wealth of knowledge akin to that of a cinematic encyclopaedia but also embodies the rare duality of mastering both classic and contemporary filmmaking techniques.
Recently honored with the prestigious Nandi Lifetime Achievement Award, Basavaraj embarked on his cinematic voyage at the tender age of 17, honing his craft under the tutelage of the iconic VK Murthy. Amidst familial expectations of pursuing a conventional career in medicine or engineering, Basavaraj was captivated by the vibrancy of the arts. His early inclinations were unmistakably clear; the mundane vision of a lifelong government job paled in comparison to the enchanted world of the arts that beckoned to him.
“I would indulge in sketching, painting, and often wander off to witness plays in my hometown of Kittur,” shared Basavaraj. The theatrical scene thrived in small towns, with troupes like Gubbi Veeranna or Subbaiah Naidu becoming institutions in themselves, staging compelling performances that resonated deeply with viewers. Monthly passes offered residents like Basavaraj unprecedented access to a rich tapestry of comedic masterpieces that featured the likes of actors Narasimharaju, Balakrishna, and GV Iyer—whose captivating portrayals surely left audiences in stitches.
The lure of creation, from rehearsals to the climactic staging, ensnared Basavaraj’s imagination, ultimately propelling him towards the film industry. His dedication to the art form led to academic setbacks, failing his class XII exams, which resulted in a move to Bengaluru to National College, Basavanagudi, for a second chance. During this period, he delved deeper into painting and photography, nurturing what would become a defining passion in his life.
His cinematic journey gained momentum when his dabbling in photography and painting merged with the opportunity to exploit a relative’s theater pass to its fullest. This convergence sparked the epiphany that would mark the beginning of his professional path as a cinematographer. Basavaraj recounts, “The marriage of visuals in cinema and my own work with colors and lights was enchanting. With my family relinquishing the hope of me entering the conventional professional spheres, my sister was sent to guide me in formalizing my interests through proper education.”
It was through SJ Polytechnic (SJP) that Basavaraj cemented his foundation in the discipline of cinematography. Parallel to his studies, he served as a press photographer for the Kannada magazine Thayi Nadu and The Indian Express, cycling around to capture images for a modest remuneration. His contemporaries at SJP included the likes of actors Senthil Kumar and Sreenath, and the acclaimed Govind Nihalani was a senior.
The completion of his studies left Basavaraj pondering his next steps. After failed attempts to apprentice with luminaries like Fali Mistry and Dwarka Divecha, fortune smiled upon Basavaraj when he was directed to VK Murthy, who was about to begin work on the film “Tumse Accha Kaun Hai”. Basavaraj became Murthy’s apprentice, thus sowing the seeds for a prolific career that would span across influential films such as K Bhagyaraj’s “Suvarilladha Chitrangal”, Puttanna Kanagal’s “Manasa Sarovara”, and “Hosaneeru” directed by KV Jayaram, to name a few.
Basavaraj attributes his success to VK Murthy, reminiscing on the painstaking intricacies of filmmaking in an era devoid of today’s technological prowess. It was not uncommon for film production to span two years, as filmmakers meticulously crafted their vision. The lessons learned from his mentor continue to influence Basavaraj’s work, instilling in him a cinematic philosophy deeply rooted in the past’s ethos.
In homage to his mentor and lifelong guide, Basavaraj has previously crafted a 15-minute documentary, “Drishya Garudiga”, celebrating VK Murthy’s life and contributions to cinema. Further solidifying this tribute, Basavaraj is at the helm of a festival in Murthy’s honor, slated to be held in Bengaluru this March, in concert with other venerable figures of the film industry. This event stands as a testament to the enduring legacy and the timeless artistry that both luminaries have bestowed upon the silver screen.
