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28 March 2024

Choreographer Shiamak Davar accused of exploiting young dancers

This picture has been posted on choreographer Shiamak Davar's Facebook page.

Published
By Bollywood Correspondent

One of India's biggest celebrity choreographers, Shiamak Davar, has been accused of sexual abuse made by his former dance students Percy Shroff and Jimmy Mistry.

Percy Shroff, 40, and Jimmy Mistry, 33, both of North Vancouver, say that they endured years of unwanted sexual touching at the hands of Shiamak, who, they say, abused his authority as their spiritual leader to control all aspects of their lives, reports cbc.ca.

They have alleged that Shiamak is a sexually abusive and controlling leader of a sect called VRRP Spiritual Learning group, according to two lawsuits filed in the Canadian province of British Columbia Supreme Court.

Shroff has gone on to claim that Davar punished him for not reciprocating sexual acts by keeping him out of dance performances and tours.

Mistry, the second complainant, states that he was manipulated into sexual submission.

He alleges that Davar would even invite other dancers into his room and make them do things.

Mistry claims that at that time, he thought that Davar's behaviour with him and the other boys "must be normal", because he had "created and environment in which his physical interactions with young male dancers and students became the norm".

Denying the same, Shiamak, a National Award winning talent, said in a statement, "I'm shocked by these allegations and deny them completely. I will not be intimidated into silence and will defend myself vigorously in court."

"Even though I'm extremely anxious to speak the truth, I have been advised not to do so publicly by my lawyer, David Crossin, as this matter is now before the court," added Shiamak.

He also stated that the allegations have been made with the intention of ruining his character, reputation and affiliated organization.

Shiamak, 53, teaches dance in six countries and has sold millions of albums. His choreography has gone from Bollywood to Hollywood blockbusters such as Mission Impossible 4. He's rubbed shoulders with everyone from Bollywood stars like Shilpa Shetty to Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and B.C. Premier Christy Clark.