Harishchandra Sakharam Bhatavdekar was the first Indian to make a film in India. Now before accusations start flying, it was indeed H.S. Bhatavdekar who was officially the first to release a motion picture in 1899, a solid 13 years before the famous Dada Saheb Phalke who came into the 'picture' only in 1913.

H.S. Bhatavdekar, commonly known as Save Dada was a professionally known portrait photographer based in Mumbai. It all started when Dada sat down to watch the first-ever screening of a film in India; when the Lumiere Brothers conducted a film show in Mumbai, 1896. Awestruck and amazed, Dada wasted no time and immediately purchased cine cinema from the U.K.

And finally, it was on 7th July 1896, his and the country's first film, titled ‘The Wrestlers’ was made. This undoubtedly made Save Dada the foremost Indian filmmaker and exhibitor.

Now, why was there any confusion in the first place? The grey area arose with the nature of the motion pictures made by H. S. Bhatavdekar and Dada Saheb Phalke.

As defined in cinema today, feature films are classified as those which consist of a definite story, actors with roles. Save Dada's film is better suited to the term of documentary as it was solely based on reality.

Falling in love with reel life, Bhatavdekar would continue to make movies based on the daily lives in the bustling city of Mumbai and would shoot numerable essential events.

A particular event stands out due to its crucial aspect in terms of history, in 1902, Save Dada shot a film, documenting the return of the then Minister of Education, R.P. Paranjpye. His arrival in India by ship was shown in the film, making it the first Indian news film ever! Moving down the path of news films, Dada made 'Coronation Durbar' in 1911, which recorded the coronation of King George V as the Emperor of India.

It may seem insignificant; the first Indian film to be ever made. But one has to realise that the shock of watching a motion picture in those days is equivalent to modern-day people seeing a moving picture printed in the newspaper, like those depicted in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter.

It was no small feat! And the original person behind it all; H.S. Bhatavdekar died on the 20th of February 1958, leaving behind an overshadowed legacy, left dusty on the shelf.

It is up to you now, dear reader to start the cycle and throw a little light on Save Dada. Doesn't it make for the perfect bedtime story? So go and tell your kids or sibling, grandchild, or even friends the story to keep the film rolling for Dada.