Shiamak Davar
| Shiamak Davar | |
|---|---|
| |
| Birth Name | Shiamak Davar |
| Born | September 12, 1961 |
| Origin | Mumbai, India |
| Dance Styles | Contemporary, Jazz, Bollywood |
| Occupation | Choreographer, Dance Instructor |
| Years Active | 1980–present |
| Training | Jazz Center, New York |
| Notable Works | Dil To Pagal Hai, Taal, Bunty Aur Babli |
| Awards | National Film Award, Filmfare Award |
| Website | Official Website |
Shiamak Davar (born September 12, 1961) is an Indian dancer and choreographer who pioneered contemporary dance in India. He is credited with introducing Western dance styles to Indian cinema and is known for establishing a pan-India dance academy network.
Early Life and Training
Born in Mumbai to a Parsi family, Shiamak showed an early interest in dance. He trained at the Jazz Center in New York, learning various dance forms including jazz, contemporary, and ballet. He returned to India with a vision to revolutionize dance education.
Career
Dance Academy
In 1992, Davar founded the Shiamak Davar Institute for the Performing Arts (SDIPA), which has become one of the largest dance academies in India with branches across multiple countries.
Bollywood Choreography
He revolutionized Bollywood choreography by introducing Western dance forms while retaining Indian elements. His work in Dil To Pagal Hai (1997) earned him the National Film Award for Best Choreography.
International Recognition
Davar has choreographed for international events including the closing ceremony of the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi and various IIFA Awards ceremonies.
Notable Choreography
| Year | Film | Notable Song |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Dil To Pagal Hai | "Dholna" |
| 1999 | Taal | "Ishq Bina" |
| 2005 | Bunty Aur Babli | "Kajra Re" |
| 2007 | Jhoom Barabar Jhoom | Title Track |
Dance Philosophy
Davar's philosophy centers on the idea that "Everybody can dance." His institutes focus on making dance accessible to people of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds.
Awards
- National Film Award for Best Choreography (1997, 1999)
- Filmfare Award for Best Choreography (multiple)
- Dance Educator of the Year Award