From ‘Dil To Pagal Hai’ to ‘Ramayana’: Celebrating Shiamak Davar — The Force Behind Hindi Cinema’s Iconic Choreographies

Over the decades, Shiamak Davar has firmly established himself as a legendary force in Indian cinema. By introducing global dance vocabularies, high-octane energy, and unforgettable hooksteps with immense recall value, he has continuously redefined how dance is presented on the big screen. As he showcases his artistic vision in Nitesh Tiwari’s monumental cinematic epic ‘Ramayana’, here is a look back at some of his most defining choreographic masterpieces.

‘Dil To Pagal Hai’ — A Cinematic Revolution

National Film Award-winner Shiamak Davar made his Hindi cinema debut with Yash Chopra’s Dil To Pagal Hai, fundamentally changing the landscape of Bollywood choreography. By introducing contemporary jazz and Western dance forms to mainstream audiences through iconic tracks like Le Gayi and Koi Ladki Hai, he set a new benchmark for modern dance in India.

‘Dhoom 2’ — High-Energy Fluidity and Precision

Serving as the director of choreography for the 2006 action-thriller blockbuster Dhoom 2, Davar crafted the legendary title track Dhoom Again. Combining his signature Indo-jazz with contemporary and hip-hop vocabulary, the song's sharp pauses, sleek fluidity, and high-energy synchronization became an instant pop-culture phenomenon.

‘Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi’ — Playful Storytelling

In Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, Davar brought his storytelling finesse to the dynamic track Dance Pe Chance. Featuring infectious group choreography and playful character moments, the song's step-by-step dance lesson concept remains a party favorite, with its iconic hookstep instantly recognized across generations.

‘Bhaag Milkha Bhaag’ — Emotional Versatility

Collaborating alongside choreographers Ganesh Acharya and Vaibhavi Merchant, Davar contributed to the soundtrack of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. He delivered dance sequences tailored to specific moods, rustic energies, and historical settings, proving his capability to adapt to intense biographical narratives.

‘Ramayana’ — Mythological Spectacle

In Nitesh Tiwari’s epic Ramayana, Shiamak Davar stands as the creative brain behind Ravana’s iconic Tandav, blending stylised classical roots with powerful contemporary movements to accentuate the character's formidable presence. Furthermore, he choreographs the devotional anthem Jai Jai Ram, framed as a grand Aarti dedicated to Shri Ram.

From breaking boundaries in the 1990s to orchestrating grand mythological dance spectacles today, Shiamak Davar continues to shape the visual grammar of Indian dance.