The veteran cinematographer who helmed many films like 'Hum', 'Khuda Gawah' and 'Rangeela', died on Tuesday, said an official of Western Indian Cinematographer's Association (WICA). Rao died at the Bhartiya Arogya Nidhi Hospital, Juhu where he was admitted in the ICU, the official said.

Filmmaker Sangeeth Sivan mourned his death and tweeted, "W.B. Rao, the much respected and revered cinematographer is no more. 'Hum', 'Khuda Gawah' and 'Rangeela' were my personal favourites."

Rao played his part in the film industry for over four decades. He was critically admired for his work in films like 'Raja Hindustani', 'Judwaa', 'Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega' and 'Dhadkan'. Rao also played a cameo role in Ram Gopal Varma's 'Rangeela', appearing as a cinematographer to director Steven Kapoor (played by Gulshan Grover).

A few minutes into the film, Grover's character, an eccentric filmmaker, walks dramatically, tracking a shot with his hands. He comes near Rao and screams 'Cut' twice to which a calm Rao looks at him and says, 'Camera start kab hua tha?'

May his soul rest in peace.