When it comes to dance in India, the name Shiamak Davar has high recall value. Since his breakthrough as a choreographer with the 1997 hit Bollywood film Dil To Pagal Hai, Davar has gone on to build a dance empire, now spread across the world, including centres in the UAE.
Today, there are very few A-list actors in Bollywood he hasn’t worked with, and his shows have taken him on tours around the world, including projects with Hollywood films — the latest one being choreographing scenes in Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol, which was shot in Dubai.
The 53-year-old is back in Dubai this week, to choreograph the first ever Arab Indo Bollywood Awards (Aiba). The star-studded event will see some of Bollywood’s biggest, including Salman Khan and Priyanka Chopra, perform.
In an email interview with tabloid!, Davar refused to entertain questions about a sex abuse case filed against him earlier this month. But he was more than happy to answer questions about his plans for the Aiba show, his future plans and whether he will ever revive his singing career.
Why did you agree to choreograph Aiba?
I love choreographing stage shows. Nothing compares to the energy that you get from a live audience. Aiba brings two cultures together and it is a great platform for showcasing Bollywood in Dubai. Cineyug [event management company] are an amazing team to work with. Plus I have my dance classes in Dubai, so it was an exciting thing for my students there to watch the dance company perform with their favourite Bollywood stars.
What are the criteria for you to agree to do a project?
Creative freedom and the concept of the show. Every project that I take up gives an opportunity to my dance company to perform on stage and travel the world. For me, each show gives me a chance to innovate and bring something new.
Once you agree to do an event, where do you start looking for inspiration?
Inspiration is easy to find if you’re passionate about what you do. Once I know the artists, the theme and concept of the show, I immediately visualise the stage with the artists and my dance company, and the movements start falling into place.
You choreograph shows, films and run dance institutes around the world. If you could only do one thing, which would it be?
Oh, this is a tough one! Each of them is so different and equally satisfying. But I have to say, spreading the joy of dance [and] watching my students perform is the most fulfilling. Dance education will always be my priority.
How about that pop career? Any plans to go back into the recording studio?
Singing was my first love. I still sing when I perform. My last album was Shabop a few years back. Right now, the dance academy and shows take up most of my time. Let’s see, maybe in the near future.
You’ve practically built an empire, Shiamak. But are there days you want to just hang up your boots and not have to work?
I love what I do. It isn’t work for me, it’s a passion. Performing arts is the reason for my existence, why would I ever stop?
Looking back at your career, can you tell us a few events, moments and projects that have particularly stood out for you?
Dil Toh Pagal Hai will always be special. The fact that it was my first Bollywood film and it received a National Award made me realise that I was walking in the right direction. A few years back, I received an Honorary Doctorate from the Middlesex University, London. Coming from a family of educationists, this was a special moment as it was a recognition of dance as education. These are just a few, but every time I’ve performed or choreographed, it has been extremely memorable.
What can we expect from the Aiba show?
The first awards show bringing Indian and Arab culture on one platform. Bollywood is a larger than life experience so this will be a show that Dubai has never seen before. I will let the rest be a surprise.
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
Singing, performing, choreographing and teaching.
Don’t miss it!
Tickets for Aiba, starting at Dh200, are on sale at platinumlist.net. The show will be aired on Zee Cinema on July 24 at 7.30pm in the UAE. For more, go to aibagulf.com.
