Shiamak said his former students are trying to ruin his character and reputation. PHOTO: PUBLICITY
Two former students of renowned Bollywood choreographer Shiamak Davar have accused him of sexual harassment. Percy Shroff, 40, and Jimmy Mistry, 33, both of North Vancouver, say 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, reported CBC News.
They 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, IANS reported. “I used to believe that his word was God. I just wanted to please him,” 40-year old Percy was quoted as saying by CBC. He claimed Shiamak began to prepare him for sexual exploitation when he was 16, and he is suing now to protect his young son.
Shiamak denied the allegations levelled against him, claiming the two said individuals are trying to ruin “his character, reputation and affiliated organisations.” He 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.” He added, “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.”
He went on to say, “It is a privilege and honour for me to continue the work of my spiritual teacher Khorshed Bhavnagri.” VRRP follows the teachings of Bhavnagri, who wrote The Laws of the Spirit World, in which she claims her two dead sons communicated with her.
“It is my position, as filed in my response, that these claims are being made by former members of VRRP Spiritual Learning to simply smear Bhavnagri’s good name and her wonderful book The Laws of the Spirit World. I would like members of VRRP Spiritual Learning to rest assured that I will continue to serve the book and its teachings,” added Shiamak.
Known as the virtuoso of contemporary dance in India, Shiamak is respected for his ever-evolving and popular ‘Shiamak Style’ of dance. He has been the dance guru of actors the likes of Shahid Kapoor and has choreographed popular Bollywood films, such as the Shah Rukh Khan-starrer Dil Toh Pagal Hai, and Hollywood blockbusters, such as Mission: Impossible 4.
Published in The Express Tribune, May 10th, 2015.
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