Shiamak Davar is known for his work in films such as Dil Toh Pagal Hai and
Ace choreographer Shiamak Davar is 'shocked' and has denied allegations of sexual abuse made by his former dance students Percy Shroff and Jimmy Mistry.
cbc.ca reports that Percy Shroff, 40, and Jimmy Mistry, 33, residents of North Vancouver, alleged that they endured years of 'unwanted sexual touching' at the hands of Mr Davar, who they say, abused his authority as their spiritual leader to control all aspects of their lives.
In two separate lawsuits filed in the Canadian province of British Columbia, they have alleged that Mr Davar is 'a sexually abusive and controlling leader' of a sect called VRRP Spiritual Learning group.
Mr Davar, a National Award-winner, 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 Mr Davar, who bagged the National Award for
Dil To Pagal Hai, starring Shah Rukh Khan.
He further added, "It is a privilege and honour for me to continue the work of my spiritual teacher, Khorshed Bhavnagri".
VRRP follows the teachings of Bhavnagari, who wrote
The Laws of the Spirit World, in which she claimed 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 Mrs. Bhavnagri’s good name and her wonderful book 'The Laws of the Spirit World'. I would like members of VRRP Spiritual Learning to be rest assured that I will continue to serve the book and its teachings."
A celebrated name in the Indian film industry, Shiamak Davar, whose choreography has featured in Bollywood to Hollywood blockbusters such as
Mission: Impossible - Ghost Protocol, said that he had 'total faith in the justice system of British Columbia' and was confident that his name would be cleared on all accounts.