Shekar Dattatri’s lifelong fascination with wildlife began at the age of thirteen, when he joined the famous Madras Snake Park as a part-time volunteer. This led to photography and later, to filmmaking. The first documentary he directedand shot, ‘A co-operative for snake catchers’ won the National Award for Best Scientific Film in 1987. Shekar’s commitment to conservation and environmental awareness through the media of film and video has been a strong motivating factor in continuing in this tough and sometimes, uncertain profession. He was honoured with ‘Prithvi Ratna Award’ at Vatavaran-2000 in Delhi.