[3] He obtained his Diploma in Cinematography from Sri Jayachamarajendra Polytechnic (the present Government Film and Television Institute) in Bangalore in 1946.

[4] Feeling strongly attracted to the visual medium and wishing to pursue a career in the field, he quit his studies and left for Bombay (now Mumbai).

Some of Murthy's best work came in Guru Dutt's movies like Pyaasa, Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam and Aar Paar.

In later years, he worked with directors like Pramod Chakravarthy (Naya Zamana, Jugnu), Shyam Benegal and Govind Nihalani (Tamas).

Murthy was also the principal cinematographer of the widely acclaimed television series produced by Doordarshan and directed by Shyam Benegal, Bharat Ek Khoj.

[4] He was married and had at least one child, a daughter who he named Chhaya in honour of the art or skill which was his passion and gave him his livelihood.