Dance! The word not just translates to an activity or a hobby, it's a way of life and an emotion for many. While in India, the primary influence of dance remains Bollywood movies to a majority of population, the performing arts form has had its own journey in Hindi cinema. From being just a medium to convery one's feelings through melodies that were heavy in emotions, to having full fledged films based on dance (read Dil Toh Pagal Hai, ABCD and more), Hindi films have witnessed quite a lot transition over the years and who better to speak about the same than the man who's spent over two decades in the industry - Shiamak Davar.

Shiamak Davar is considered to be one of the very first to bring western dance forms to India with contemporary and jazz styles. Known as the 'Guru' of contemporary dance in India, Shiamak's journey is noted for modernizing the country's dance scene especially in films and theatre. On the occasion of International Dance Day, the ace dancer and choreographer tells DNA how dance has changed over the years in Bollywood, his apprehension when offered Dil Toh Pagal Hai, his favourite dancers in B-Town and more.

Read on...

In what ways has dance changed over the years in Bollywood

Dance has always been an integral part of Bollywood movies. So even back then, a large part of the story telling was done with dance as the medium. If you see Helenji, she was way ahead of her times and even till today, she is one of my favorite performers.

Dance wasn’t accepted as a career when I started out, for men or for women. So here I was trying to begin a dance school for Western Jazz which was unheard of! So when I started choreography and my dance school, my dancers were very trained and fit. This was a first for Bollywood dancing and Dil To Pagal Hai sort of set the tone for what was to come in the future.

But in terms of technical training and structure of the choreography, it wasn’t so strong back in the day. Honestly, when I was offered Dil To Pagal Hai, I was very unsure as I thought my style was too western for Bollywood. But it was Yash (Chopra) Uncle’s faith in me that I went ahead, and of course Shah Rukh (Khan) and Gauri (Khan) who insisted that I do this film.

Dance even till today stays at the core of our cinema, it just has a better form, it’s more stylized and has a structure. Today, Bollywood Dancing is a global phenomenon. There is a lot of western influence in the music that transcends into the movement as well. There has definitely been a positive change and a lot of choreographers are doing a fine job.

What are the dance styles that remain popular till date in Bollywood films?

Bollywood has adapted itself to the changing trends in music. Whether it was the influence of Rock’n’Roll or Disco, then pop and now Hip Hop. With each era, Bollywood too has molded itself to global trends in music and movement. With the current trend of remixes, the music is now combining popular hits from the yesteryears in a new avatar.

What do you personally enjoy choreographing more - stage performances or songs in movies? Why?

I enjoy choreographing both formats. They both have their own charm. Being from a theatre background, the stage has always felt like home. The rush of getting an instant response from a live audience is a completely different feeling. Creating movements using the entire stage, using sets and props, the stage will always be my first love.

Your all time favourite actor/s in Bollywood in terms of dancing?

I would have to say Helenji and Govinda!

Which actor/actress from the current lot according to you, is a fab dancer?

Oh, this is tough one. All the actors and actresses who come in today know the importance of dance in cinema and train before they come. So all the way from Shahid Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Sushant Singh Rajput, Alia Bhatt, Sonakshi Sinha, Ishaan Khatter and so many more came to dance school to train. They’re all so good!