Shelkey Maruti Rao[1] (25 April 1921–2000) was an Indian cinematographer who worked mainly in Tamil films.

[2] After World War II, Rao joined Pragathi Studio and was the still photographer for Sri Valli, produced by A. V. Meiyappan.

During the making of P. Neelakandan's Or Iravu, Rao worked for the first time as the main cinematographer and his cinematography received widespread acclaim.

He was the make-up test photographer for actors like Sivaji Ganesan, S. V. Subbiah, Vyjayanthimala and Hema Malini before they entered cinema.

He also served as an honorary member of Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission, and the Selection Committee Chairman for the Film and Television Institute of India.