4244) K. Vaikunth, Cinematographer, Birth Centenary (1925-2025), Bharat/India: Bhartiya Dak/India Post has issued a 500 Paise (or Rs.5/-) Postage Stamp featuring K. Vaikunth: Date/Year of Stamp issue: 27.11.2025:
Vaikunth Dattaram Kunkolienkar was born in 1925 at Margao. K. Vaikunth began his career as an assistant to cinematographer Surendra Pai on D.D. Kashyap’s Bari Behen (1949).
In an era when senior cameramen rarely shared technical knowledge, he learned the craft through perseverance and
dedication.
Rising steadily through the ranks, Vaikunth received his first major break within seven years with Garam Coat (1955). The film was his first independent feature as cinematographer and established him as a technically skilled and innovative cameraman.
His reputation continued to grow, and 1971 marked one of his biggest successes with Mere Apne, the year’s major hit. Directors admired K. Vaikunth for his deep technical knowledge, disciplined work ethic and mastery of lighting.
His documentary experience strengthened his natural, fluid approach to cinematography, and leading actresses such as Suchitra Sen, Jaya Bhaduri and Hema Malini credited him with enhancing their on-screen appearance.
Beyond feature films, Vaikunth made significant contributions to documentaries and advertising films. He collaborated regularly with noted documentary filmmakers. His early documentaries “The Story of Kashmir” and “The Great Betrayal” on the Indo-China war, earned him President’s Medals.
In 1956, his documentary “And Miles to Go” won the Bengal Tiger Award.
He further expanded his creative pursuits by directing and producing films included several documentaries on Goa such as “Goa After Liberation”, “Goa Marches On”, and the acclaimed “Aamche Bhau”, based on the life of Goa’s first Chief Minister, Dayanand Bandodkar.
Known for his humility, simplicity and tireless energy, K. Vaikunth remained grounded despite achieving remarkable success, including five silver jubilee hits between 1971 and 1973.
Always seen in his trademark kurta-pyjama, he was admired not only as a master cinematographer but also as a warm, engaging personality who valued conversations and human connections. K. Vaikunth passed away in 2003 at 78 years of age.
From a struggling beginner to a celebrated cinematographer, K. Vaikunth brought respect and dignity to his profession.
The Stamp:
The First Day Cover (FDC)
The Department of Posts has released a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Birth Centenary of K. Vaikunth celebrating his legacy and invaluable contributions to Indian cinema.
TECHNICAL DATA:
Date/Year of Stamp issue: 27.11.2025
Denomination:
500p (or Rs.5/-)
No. of Stamps Printed:
303625 pieces
Printing Process:
Wet Offset
Printer: Security Printing
Press, Hyderabad
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1) 2550 years of Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post
2) "Mahabodhi Temple": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Rajeev
3) Did You Know Series (116): 1) An elephant named Mohini guided by her mahavat Dilshad and helper Sonu, was the one to carry the Special Philatelic Covers from Siddharth Enclave to Buddhapex-25 in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh: 2) The Taming of the Mad Elephant Nalagiri by thed Buddha in Buddhist Literature: Date/Year of Special Philatelic Cover issue: 10.07.2025
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International Philately Exhibitions:
7) HAFNIA 24, Copenhagen, Denmark: Celebrating 400 Years of Danish Post: India Post participated in the Stamp Exhibition held from 17.10.2024 to 20.10.2024 with two Special Covers
Links to Posts on Buddha on this Blog:
1) 2550 years of Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post
2) "Mahabodhi Temple": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Rajeev
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Links to posts on Hindi on this Blog:
Links:
Links to Posts on Buddha on this Blog:
1) 2550 years of Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post
2) "Mahabodhi Temple": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Rajeev
3) Did You Know Series (116): 1) An elephant named Mohini guided by her mahavat Dilshad and helper Sonu, was the one to carry the Special Philatelic Covers from Siddharth Enclave to Buddhapex-25 in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh: 2) The Taming of the Mad Elephant Nalagiri by thed Buddha in Buddhist Literature: Date/Year of Special Philatelic Cover issue: 10.07.2025
Links to posts on alternative medicines:
International Philately Exhibitions:
7) HAFNIA 24, Copenhagen, Denmark: Celebrating 400 Years of Danish Post: India Post participated in the Stamp Exhibition held from 17.10.2024 to 20.10.2024 with two Special Covers
Links to Posts on Buddha on this Blog:
1) 2550 years of Mahaparinirvana of the Buddha: Commemorative stamps issued by India Post
2) "Mahabodhi Temple": "MyStamps" (issued by India Post): Rajeev
Greetings:
AUGMENTED REALITY (AR) POST CARDS:
World Earth Day:
Posts on G20 Leader's Summit in New Delhi on this Blog:
Posts on "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" on this Blog:
AMRITPEX 2023 (THE NATIONAL PHILATELY EXHIBITION) held at New Delhi from 11-15.02.2023:
Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: Five Special Covers released by Philately Division, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi:
Links to Special Covers issued by the Rajasthan Postal Circle of India Post:
38) 22nd Battalion: The Rajput Regiment: Golden Jubilee Celebration (1966-2018): A Special Postal Cover brought out by India Post (56 APO) on 01.10.2018
Links to posts on Mahatma Gandhi on this Blog:
4) Sinhagad Fort: A Special Cover brought out by Maharashtra Postal Circle of India Post on 29.04.2017 5)"Brave Fighter Narvir Shivaji Kashid": A Special Cover issued by Maharashtra Postal Circle on 05.05.2016: includes The Defence of Panhalgarh and the legendary Battle of Pawan Khind


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