Rao, known for his works in Bollywood hits like "Rangeela", "Hum" and "Khuda Gawah", breathed his last at the Bhartiya Arogya Nidhi Hospital, sources close to the family said.
In a career spanning four decades, Rao's first break as a cinematographer happened in 1987 with Mukul Anand's "Insaaf" starring Vinod Khanna and Dimple Kapadia. Some of his other notable films include "Dhadkan", "Judwaa", "Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega" and others.
Actor and host Naved Jafri and filmmaker Sangeeth Sivan took to twitter to offer their condolences.
"Legendary craftsman of indian cinema passes away, ace cinematographer WB Rao sahab has left us, May his soul rest in peace, may the almighty give strength and patience to the family, deepest condolences," Jafri said on Twitter.