Shiamak Davar working on his directorial debut

Watch the dance sequences from any of his movies like Dil Toh Paagal Hai, Taal or Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, and you are sure to want to dance as well. Shiamak Davar, the man who changed the choreography in Hindi cinema, is now working hard on his long due Bollywood directorial debut.

“I was supposed to roll out the movie last year. Since I was busy with my dance productions, I wasn’t able to. I will be resuming work on this film, which needless to say, will be about dance. I am working on the script and I promise that it will be a film that will make a difference,” says the ace choreographer. 

Probe him about who he is likely to cast in the film and he says, “Though I share a great rapport with several stars in Bollywood, I am not planning to cast any of them in the lead role. I prefer to use this opportunity to provide a platform for a talented newcomer. However, I will definitely have one celebrity in the movie.”

Shiamak, who was in the city to visit his students, seems excited about the fact there is a lot of talent and exposure for the current generation to showcase their talents.

“Years ago, when I said I want to get into dance, people used to make fun of me. I had a few cousins who disowned me as they thought dance was not a respectable profession. But today, I am glad to see the kind of impact and respect that dance has. The response one gets for reality shows is a very good example,” says Shiamak, who is currently judging a reality dance show.

Apart from dance and movies, the choreographer also has a philanthropic side to him. “More than being a celebrated choreographer, I always wanted to be a good human being and give back something to the society. That’s how Victory Arts Foundation was born. We wanted to spread the sprit of dancing among differently-abled people. We also started the foundation, Dancing Feet, where we cater to underprivileged people and those who are HIV affected. I am happy to watch them dance,” he says.

Shiamak, whose dance academy recently completed 26 years, credits the almighty for his creativity. So, what does it takes to be a good dancer? “Hunger and talent,” he promptly replies, adding, “It’s always 99% perspiration and 1% inspiration.”