Shah Rukh Khan convinced me to choreograph Dil To Pagal Hai: Shiamak Davar

When it comes to unconventional movement arts in Bollywood, Shiamak Davar is one name that shines bright. Known for his unique dance moves and skills, the celebrity choreographer is often credited for introducing contemporary jazz and western dance forms to Bollywood. While his dance classes were already popular, Shiamak gained more fame in 1997 after he did the choreography for the Shah Rukh Khan, Madhuri Dixit and Karisma Kapoor starrer Dil To Pagal Hai (DTPH). His choreography for the film marked a new dawn for dance in Hindi cinema, but who convinced him to take up the project? Read on to know more…

In an exclusive interview with ETimes, Shiamak said that it was none other than SRK who convinced him to say yes to DTPH. “Gauri used to come to my classes and Shah Rukh often came to receive her. He would stand at the classes, smoking a cigarette, waiting for her patiently like an adoring husband (smiles). Literally, I like an adoring husband. One day, he told me that there is a movie coming out and he wanted me to do it. SRK invited me for dinner and I was surprised as to ‘why is he calling me for dinner?’. But when I went there, SRK asked me to do DTPH. He convinced me by telling me that they wanted my style of dancing. Frankly speaking, if Shah Rukh hadn’t convinced me, I am sure I wouldn’t have done DTPH either. Because my style of dancing was very different. It was western but Yash (Chopra) uncle had faith in me and SRK pushed me further. So, I am so happy that I did the movie,” he elaborated.

Sharing his experience of working on DTPH, Shiamak said, “When I stepped in for DTPH, I told Yash [Chopra] uncle, ‘Now that I am doing it, I need my dance company, my costume and my understanding of music’. So even when Uttam Singh was composing the jugalbandi (the Dance of Envy) song with Madhuri and Karisma, I said that I want to give music to the dance song. I gave the idea of the music. I had complete control over the music and the dance of the film. If someone is hiring me as a professional, then they should get the best from me. And Yash uncle allowed everything. He agreed with my costumes, music, choreography and everything. That’s the reason I was able to deliver as a good dance director.”

Cut to the present time, the choreographer said that he is glad that Pathaan is doing so well. “These days, I am really excited for Shah Rukh. Pathaan is doing extremely well. I called him and told him how happy and excited I am to see him back. I wanted him to do my shows again, I really missed him,” he summed up.