Cinephile Film Club to Honour Goan Cinematographer K. Vaikunth with ‘Aandhi’ Screening
Panaji:
As part of the birth centenary celebrations of legendary Goan cinematographer K. Vaikunth, the Cinephile Film Club of the Entertainment Society of Goa will host a special tribute programme at the Maquinez Palace Theatre, Old GMC building, on Saturday, September 20, at 5.30 p.m.
The evening will feature a conversation on the legacy of Vaikunth with noted film historian Pavan Jha, followed by a screening of Gulzar’s classic Aandhi (1975). Mr. Amit Kunkolienkar, son of the late cinematographer, will also be present. The event is free and open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis.
Born in Margao as Vaikunth Dattaram Kunkolienkar, the cinematographer carved a niche for himself in Hindi cinema across a career spanning more than three decades. Known for his mastery over lighting, framing and mood, he worked with leading directors including Ramesh Sippy (Andaz, 1971; Seeta aur Geeta, 1972, for which he won the Filmfare Award), Ramanand Sagar and Manmohan Desai.
His long-standing collaboration with Gulzar produced some of Hindi cinema’s most acclaimed films such as Parichay, Koshish, Achanak, Mausam, Khushboo and Aandhi. Critics regard his cinematography in Aandhi as a benchmark for its subtle yet powerful visual language, which heightened the film’s exploration of love, loss and identity.
Speaking ahead of the programme, organisers said Mr. Jha, who has closely worked with Gulzar, will offer rare insights into Vaikunth’s craft, the making of Aandhi and the socio-political context in which it was created.
The tribute forms part of the Entertainment Society of Goa’s ongoing efforts to celebrate the contributions of Goan artists to Indian cinema.
