Entertainment / Interview With Shiamak Davar

Interview With Shiamak Davar

Entertainment Apr 12, 2014

by Daniel Pillai

Acclaimed Indian choreographer, Shiamak Davar started his career working on the 1997 hit film Dil To Pagal Hai. He then followed it up with several song/dance sequences in other Bollywood hit films such as Taal, Dhoom 2 and the 2013 megahit Bhaag Milkha Bhaag as well as an act in Hollywood’s Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol.

I caught up with him to talk about working with some of Bollywood’s biggest stars, his relationship with the International Indian Film Academy (IIFA) and its upcoming show in Tampa Bay, Florida.

Daniel Pillai: Dil To Pagal Hai was the first film you choreographed and you received much commercial and critical success. How did you foray into Bollywood films?

Shiamak Davar: Dil To Pagal Hai happened on the insistence of the late Mr. Yash Chopra and the belief that Shah Rukh Khan and his wife, Gauri had in me. My dance classes had become popular but I never believed that I’d be able to adapt my style to Bollywood. So with the creative freedom Yash Uncle gave me, and with two extremely talented dancers, Madhuri Dixit and Karisma Kapoor, I just did what I knew best…. the rest is history!

Shortly after, I won a National Award and started to be considered a pioneer in the transformation of Bollywood dance – this came as a pleasant surprise and made my belief in my mission stronger! From there on, there was no looking back.

Shiamak Davar with Aishwarya Rai choreographing for the movie Taal

DP: Is this emotional and energetic relationship with dance what inspired you to take your dance teachings all across the world?

SD: I understood the power of dance and its ability to heal. It brought about a positive change in the lives of many and this has been the biggest inspiration for me to keep going. It’s unbelievable how this movement slowly spread across India and now I have classes in Canada, Australia, UAE and UK through my dance company. I think when you believe in your passion and apply it positively; you find a channel that helps it grow. This year I start my dance classes in New York, so I’m really excited about that and soon we will spread our wings all over America.

Shiamak Davar IIFA Performance In Malaysia 2002

DP: Why do you think that the ‘Shiamak Style’ of dance and choreography is felt so strongly across the world?

SD: Being original is unique. The choreography that I do is an extension of me and my upbringing. Being a Parsi, I was introduced to western culture and music as a child. The Indian folk and classical movement always intrigued me. So over the years both became a part of my existence. It has power and grace, fluidity and strength… and most importantly it complements the music. I always refer to my dancers as peaceful warriors, strong from within and with a graceful exterior. Maybe this is the reason people globally connect to my work, it is as Indian as it is international!

Shiamak Davar Dance Troupe

Shiamak Davar Style Choreography

DP: You're doing the choreography for the 15th annual IIFA Awards being held in Tampa Bay this year. Describe your relationship with IIFA as you have been part of their journey for a very, very long time.

SD: This has been one of the oldest and finest associations for me, one that is older than a decade now. IIFA is a great platform not only to showcase Bollywood to the world but also to celebrate Indian Culture internationally. Every year with IIFA, I find a new home away from home.

The stage really is a canvas at IIFA. For each star that I work with, I try to paint the stage with an imagery that best brings out their personality and their body of work. Also, my style is a mix of the east and the west, so every year I take up a challenge with myself to present India and Bollywood at IIFA in a relatable manner to each different international audience.

Shilpa Shetty And Shiamak Davar at IIFA Awards

Soon after my interview, Shiamak was presented with the Governor General’s Medallion and Citation for his role in connecting India and Canada. Congratulations Shiamak on this well deserved honour as you have always worked to build strong ties between the two dynamic cultures.

_{Images Courtesy of: Shiamak.com}

Daniel Pillai

Author

Daniel is the Digital Media Manager for ANOKHI MEDIA and the host for ANOKHI's entertainment channel, PULSE TV. As part of the dream team, Daniel manages all multiple channels under ANOKHI’s portfolio, while also training new on-air talent, and showing budding p...

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Interview With Shiamak Davar

by Daniel Pillai

Daniel Pillai

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