My Interview With Shiamak Davar

Award-winning Indian cinematic and performing artist Shiamak Davar will bring his world-renowned blend of Bollywood Jazz and contemporary dance to two Vancouver stages as the official Director of Choreography and Design at the inaugural 2013 Times of India Film Awards (TOIFA) from April 4 to 6.

Famous for popularizing Bollywood dance around the globe, Vancouver resident Davar will both choreograph and direct lively entertainment acts for India’s biggest stars at TOIFA’s Musical Extravaganza (April 4) at the Pacific Coliseum, and Awards Ceremony (April 6) at BC Place. Participating celebrities will include Shahrukh Khan, Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra, Sukhwinder Singh, Hard Kaur, Sunidhi Chauhan, Mohit Chauhan, and others.

“It’s no secret that I call Vancouver my second home,” says Shiamak Davar. “As you can imagine, I am honoured to be part of this historic event, which fuses together two of my greatest loves – the thrill and excitement of Bollywood with the beauty of Vancouver as its backdrop.”

In addition to choreographing and directing (with Cineyug Entertainment) both the Musical Extravaganza and Awards Ceremony, Shiamak will wow audiences with single performances at each event, showcasing his signature music and dance style. Shiamak will also design glamorous and vibrant costumes and props for each entertainment act he choreographs.

[Bollywood Jazz]

Known as India’s guru of contemporary dance, Shiamak Davar is a much sought-after choreographer known for his trendsetting work in Bollywood blockbusters and for changing the way the world looks at Bollywood dance. I had the chance to interview Shiamak Davar via email ahead of next month’s big event.

Q: What process did you undergo in order to mount and choreograph the upcoming India Film Awards musical extravaganza?

A: Every project that I take up is an extension of my creativity. This particular show is very close of my heart as it brings India and Canada together; my two homes. So the concept and the idea is to demonstrate the two cultures through dance movement and introduce Bollywood to Vancouver in all its grandeur.

The planning process for a show of such magnitude starts much in advance. As a co-director, entertainment designer, choreographer and performer; I’ve been involved in every aspect and the basic idea has been to showcase the best of the Indian Cinema. From music, costumes designing, lights and sound, choreographing to rehearsals, coordinating with other star performers; there is constant activity and things to do. I’ve been working closely with my core team and things are falling into place beautifully.

Q: I understand that you’ve rubbed shoulders with Bill Clinton, Oprah, and Tom Cruise. In meeting some of the world’s brightest stars and thought leaders, which luminary has left you with the greatest impression to date? 

A: The thing that touches me the most is that all celebrities globally have such high regard for other cultures and appreciate talent in the true spirit. Of the names that you’ve mentioned and many more, this is the common thread that binds them; music and dance really does speak a universal language. It has always been my mission to reach out and touch people through the performing arts, so whether it is a four year old who attends my dance classes, an eighty four year old who performs at my student shows or an international leader who appreciates my work; the aim is to create a positive environment through performing arts.

Q: You’ll be directing and choreographing two events during Times of India Film Awards: a musical extravaganza and the awards ceremony. Which of the two poses the greatest challenge for your team?

A: Song and dance both are such an important part of Bollywood; it is what we’ve grown up watching. Both the shows are very exciting and they will bring out an essence of what Indian Cinema is about. I see it not as a challenge but a cultural exchange between the Beautiful British Columbia and Incredible India!

Tickets for TOIFA’s Musical Extravaganza and Awards Ceremony are on sale now via Ticketmaster.

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What is Holi and Why do we Celebrate It?

Holi is celebrated after the full moon day in the month of phalgun (February – March). It is traditionally a harvest festival. Like all Hindu festivals, the reason for the celebration of Holi can be traced to Hindu scriptures and it commemorates the victory of good over evil. The significance of Holi is that victory of good over evil is achieved by a young devotee through his unshakable devotion for the Lord.

The date of Holi celebration depends on the moon and lunar calendar.

Holi Myth based on Prahlada and Demon Holika

                                               

Young Prahlada was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu but this was detested by his arrogant father, Hirnakashyipu, who was the king of the land. The father constantly sought for ways to eliminate his son and each time he failed miserably. But this only hardened his stance.

Now, the king had a sister named Holika who was immune to fire. So, she took young Prahlada and entered into fire. Legend has it that Prahlada came out of the fire without any burns but Holika was consumed by the fire. Huge bonfires that are burnt on the day prior to Holi symbolize this event from mythology.

Holi Legend based on Krishna and Radha

Holi is also associated with the evergreen love of Krishna and Radha. Krishna was jealous of Radha’s fair color and asked mother Yashoda for the reason for Radha’s fair color. Yashoda jokingly said if you are so jealous change her complexion by smearing color. Naughty young Krishna was waiting for an idea for a prank and did exactly as his mother suggested.

For Krishna devotees, the festival is spread over two weeks. The most important events are held at Vrindavan, Mathura, Barsnar and Nandgaon.

Holi Myth based on Kamdev and Lord Shiva

Another important Holi legend is associated with Kamdev, the god of love. After the death of Sati, Lord Shiva took to severe meditation. Sati took rebirth as Parvati and tried to impress Lord Shiva. When her feminine charms failed, she took the help of Kamdev. Not knowing the seriousness of Lord Shiva’s meditation, Kamdev used his arrow of love on Shiva. The infuriated Shiva opened his third eye and turned Kamdev into ashes. This happened on the Holi day.

Holi Story based on Demon Dhundi

Another myth revolves around the demon Dhundi. She had received several boons through intense penance. Soon, she became arrogant and started killing children and eating them. But once Lord Shiva cursed her that she will be helpless before the pranks of young boys. One day a few boys in an intoxicated state took on her and started hurling abuses. The pranks of the boys increased as time went by and she could no longer tolerate it. Finally, she ran away from the area.

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Varun Dhawan, Sushant Rajput and Sidharth Malhotra's Holi plans

On the occasion of Holi, three young guns of Bollywood — Varun Dhawan, Sushant Singh Rajput and Sidharth Malhotra  — share their childhood memories of the festival, how things have changed since stardom, and whether they miss the old days.

How was Holi when you were a child?

Sushant: All the kids in our locality formed a gang. We would give proper jobs to everyone and then attack people on the streets with colours and pichkaaris (water guns).

Varun: Holi used to be rough and dirty; we would dunk people in mud pits and throw balloons at them. In the morning, my father would put colour on my face.

Sidharth: I’d wake up very early on Holi and my family would assemble at a cousin’s place and fill hundreds of balloons with water which we would then use later.

Have things changed now that you are famous?

Varun: Things have changed but more than that, this year, I won’t be able to go all out celebrating. This year, for the first time, I’ll be working on Holi.

Sushant: I’d like it to be the same as before, since Holi is my favourite festival, but yes, all those open processions on the roads with friends will take a backseat.

Sidharth: As actors, we can’t be as rough about celebrating Holi as we used to be because we have our shooting schedules and films to think about. 

Do you miss those carefree days?

Sushant: Yes, those are very special memories and there is always that added joy and excitement in every festival when you are a kid. That doesn’t exist once you grow up.

Varun: I do miss them, but I am grateful to God for whatever I have achieved till date. Since I am working on Holi this year anyway, I will have no time to complain about anything.

Sidharth: Of course, I do! I will miss not just the colour and madness, but even the roadside food, gujiyas and the happy atmosphere, which is sadly missing these days.

Any special plans this year?

Sushant: I will not waste water and only use natural colours. Maybe a lathmaar Holi, which is very famous in north India (laughs) would be a great idea.

Varun: After packing up, I’ll play a bit with my crewmembers, including Anurag Basu (director), Ayananka Bose (cinematographer) and Kunal Rawal (designer).

Sidharth: I am preparing for my film (that’s why I am not going to my hometown, Delhi) but still, I’ll celebrate Holi in my own way with my close friends.

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