THE UNSUNG HERO - SURESH URS
The King Of Film Editing

Interview - CNB  Photos - K.M. Veeresh      Date 05-06-2006   Time - 07-00 AM

The unsung hero yet at the dizzy heights is popular editor Suresh Urs who has worked for some of the top directors in Indian film industry. 28 years of disciplined career over 350 films to his credit Suresh Urs is unfailing in his duties and brutally frank in his opinions.

In a tête-à-tête with this humble editor who is as sharp as scissor in his thoughts:

Why you are very scarcely available?
Nobody calls me to this type of get together. On the insistence of producer, director and actor Kumar Govind I am working for this 'Sathya' film. I would like to do all possible work sitting at my Saligrama office in Chennai. Technicians are not treated very well despite of their excellence is a long-standing issue.

How is your profession as of now?
It is very good and I work for 18 hours a day, hear at least two stories, I have seven assistants…

A film is made at the editing table. An editor can become a good director. What is your opinion?
I am not interested in direction. It is easy to tell what is wrong. But it is difficult to make it right. That's the reason why I am going for production of film in three languages.

What is the preparation going on for it?
I am waiting for my first son Raghav Urs to finish his education. He is interested in direction. My second son who is 16 might be launched as hero.

What is the secret behind your success?
Sincerity and devotion. Say what is wrong is wrong. Do not hesitate. This is what I learnt it from my elder brother a top actor of Kannada cinema Sundarakrishna Urs. I love my profession immensely and this is my breath.

Which are the five best works of yours?
Roja, Bombay, Ramana, Mysore Mallige, Panchama Veda and Malgudi Days television serial.

Which is the best place for you to work?
Chennai. Working there is like working in a Film Institute. I came to Chennai in 1989 and for my success the directors with whom I have worked are responsible.

How is your popularity?
An auto driver does not ask for payment when I travel, a student from United States of America has made a film of his own and he wants me to do the editing.

There is a complaint that you are very expensive for Kannada?
That is totally wrong. Give me an assurance that it would be a national award winning film I would work totally free. I do not even ask for my lunch or dinner.

Can you give two examples for your frank opinions?
For 'Chadurangam' Tamil film that is releasing on 19th of this month I said the camera should not move in the first half. Everyone except cameraman agreed to my idea. When the 'Pitamagan' producer came for my opinion on the invitation printed I told him that he has to remove his photo in between Vikram and Soorya. He agreed for it.

You have any ambition in your life?
I want be recognized as best human being. I want to see the end of the day so and so am only good when the film is successful.

You are the expensive editor today?
No. There are others who take more.