One of the greatest film editors of Bollywood, Waman Bhonsle breathed his last this morning (26th April) in Bombay due to age-related problems. He was 89 years old. With Gurudutt Shirali, Waman Bhonsle forged such an outstanding partnership and bond that the duo — Waman-Guru — became among the most respected editors of their times.
Waman Bhonsle trained under editor D.N. Pai at Bombay Talkies. After being an apprentice under the veteran, he worked as an assistant editor at Filmistan Studios for 12 years, where he polished his skills. He got break as an independent editor in Raj Khosla’s Do Raaste in 1967, after which there was no looking back. Waman-Guru, who worked as a formidable duo, got the National Award for best editing for Raj Sippy’s Inkaar in 1977. Among the other notable films they edited were Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Woh Kaun Thi, Fakira, Koshish, Parichay, Khel Khel Mein, Dostana, Ghulam, Agneepath, Mausam, Aandhi, Hero, Kalicharan, Karz, Ram Lakhan, Saudagar, Khal-nayak, Karma, Judaai, Mr. Natwarlal, Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki, Mr. India, etc. In all, the duo edited more than 150 films and worked with the topmost filmmakers and banners. He was honoured at the International Film Festival of India in 2008 with a Lifetime Achievement Award.