Panaji: The Cinephile Film Club of the Entertainment Society of Goa (ESG) will host a special program to mark the birth centenary of legendary Goan cinematographer K. Vaikunth on Saturday, 20th September at 5.30 pm at Maquinez Palace Theatre, Old GMC Complex.
The evening will feature a conversation on Vaikunth’s legacy with noted film historian Pavan Jha, a close associate of Gulzar, followed by a special screening of Gulzar’s classic Aandhi.
Born in Margao as Vaikunth Dattaram Kunkolienkar, he remains a towering yet under-recognized figure in Indian cinematography. Over a career spanning three decades, Vaikunth introduced a distinct visual language to Indian cinema, marked by his mastery of lighting, framing, and emotional depth.
His collaborations with leading filmmakers shaped the golden era of Indian cinema. He worked with Ramesh Sippy on Andaz (1971) and Seeta Aur Geeta (1972)—winning the Filmfare Award for the latter—while also teaming up with Ramanand Sagar and Manmohan Desai. His most celebrated work, however, came through his partnership with Gulzar on films like Parichay, Koshish, Achanak, Mausam, Khushboo, and Aandhi.
Aandhi (1975), starring Suchitra Sen and Sanjeev Kumar, stands as a milestone in Indian cinema—not only for its political undertones and stellar performances but also for Vaikunth’s restrained yet powerful cinematography. His lens blended emotion with environment, creating a visual language that elevated the film’s timeless themes of love, loss, and identity.
Before the screening, Pavan Jha will share rare insights into Vaikunth’s artistry, his collaboration with Gulzar, and the socio-political context of Aandhi. Jha’s decades of film research and his close association with Gulzar promise an engaging session for cinema enthusiasts.
The program will also see the presence of Mr. Amit Kunkolienkar, son of K. Vaikunth.
This initiative is part of ESG’s ongoing effort to celebrate Goan contributions to Indian cinema. The event is free and open to all on a first-come, first-served basis.
