H. S. Bhatavdekar facts for kids
Harishchandra Sakharam Bhatavdekar (born March 15, 1868 – died February 20, 1958) was a very important person in Indian film history. He was also known as Save dada. He was the first Indian to make a film, also called a motion picture, in India. This was a big step for Indian cinema!
Contents
Early Life and Inspiration
H. S. Bhatavdekar lived in Mumbai, which was then called Bombay. He was a talented photographer who took pictures of people. In 1896, he saw a film show by the famous Lumiere Brothers in Mumbai. This show inspired him greatly. He quickly bought a movie camera from London. He also got a projector to show films.
Family Background
Bhatavdekar's family name later changed to Save. His descendants still live in Mumbai today. His grandson also enjoyed acting in many plays.
Pioneering Filmmaking Career
H. S. Bhatavdekar started making his own films. These were some of the very first films made in India. He filmed everyday life in the city. He also recorded important events.
India's First Film
His film, "The Wrestlers", was shot in 1899. It showed a wrestling match happening in Mumbai. This movie was the first film ever made by an Indian person. It marked the beginning of Indian filmmaking.
Early Documentaries and Newsreels
Bhatavdekar's later films were like early documentaries. They showed real events and people. These films are very important for history.
- "Local Scenes: Landing of M. M. Bhownuggree" (1901) showed important people arriving in India.
- "Sir Wrangler Mr. R. P. Paranjpye" (1901) featured R. P. Paranjpye landing from a ship.
- "Delhi Durbar of Lord Curzon" (1903) and "Delhi Durbar" (1903/I) recorded the grand Delhi Durbar (Delhi Royal Court). This was a big royal event. He also filmed Lord Curzon at the coronation of King Edward VII in Kolkata in 1903.
Bhatavdekar is known as India's first documentary filmmaker. His films were like the first newsreels in India. They captured real moments for people to see.
Filmography (as Director)
- The Wrestlers (1899)
- A man and his monkeys (1899)
- Local Scenes: Landing of M. M. Bhownuggree (1901)
- Atash Behram (1901)
- Sir Wrangler Mr. R. P. Paranjpye (1901)
- Delhi Durbar of Lord Curzon (1903)
- Delhi Durbar (1903/I)
