Shiamak Davar
The Ambassador
India's Guru of Contemporary Dance
Shiamak Davar is an acclaimed Indian choreographer and singer, celebrated as the Guru of Contemporary Dance in India.
He revolutionised the Indian film and theatre dance scene by introducing Western styles such as contemporary jazz and ballet, blending them seamlessly with classical Indian movement to create his signature Shiamak Style.
Born on 19th October 1961 in Mumbai, Shiamak began his dance training early, but gained widespread prominence when he choreographed the hit 1997 Bollywood film "Dil To Pagal Hai". His innovative work on the film earned him the prestigious Indian National Film Award for Best Choreography.
A Family Legacy
Grand-Nephew of Fearless Nadia
Shiamak's connection to WAIFC runs deeper than an ambassadorial title. Through the Wadia family, he is the grand-nephew of Fearless Nadia — born Mary Ann Evans in Perth in 1908 — the Australian-born stuntwoman who became one of the defining stars of Indian cinema in the 1930s.
He has often spoken about the encouragement she gave him during his formative years, and the belief that an artist should be fearless in their own way. That guidance helped shape the journey which would establish him as one of India's most respected choreographers and performing arts educators.
Between them, the two careers span nearly a century and two countries: a woman born in Western Australia who found her audience in India, and a man born in Mumbai whose academies now teach across Australia. His role with WAIFC continues a creative exchange that began long before the Council existed.
Screen Work
Choreographing a Generation of Cinema
Since Dil To Pagal Hai, Shiamak has choreographed for a long run of blockbusters, shaping how movement is used on the Indian screen.
On the World Stage
Beyond Bollywood
Shiamak's choreography has reached international platforms well outside Indian cinema. He served as director of choreography for the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne in 2006 and Delhi in 2010, and worked on Mission: Impossible — Ghost Protocol in 2011.
A trained vocalist and pop singer, he has also released several hit albums in India, among them Mohabbat Kar Le in 1997.
At a Glance
Key Career Highlights
Teaching & Giving Back
A Global Academy
His dance academy, Shiamak Davar International, has expanded across India, Canada, Australia, the UAE and the UK, reaching more than a million students.
He also leads the Victory Arts Foundation, a not-for-profit that empowers individuals with special needs and those from underprivileged backgrounds through dance therapy.
That teaching footprint, already established in Australia, is part of what makes his WAIFC role practical rather than symbolic.
