Ace choreographer Shiamak Davar sued for sexually abusing two former students

New Delhi, May 9: Two former dance students, both from Canada have alleged that renowned choreographer Shiamak Davar sexually abused them.

Percy Shroff, 40, and Jimmy Mistry, 33 say that 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, reports cbc.ca.

Reportedly, they filed two lawsuits in the Canadian province of British Columbia Supreme Court where they alleged that Shiamak is a sexually abusive and controlling leader of a sect called VRRP Spiritual Learning group.

Meanwhile, shocked choreographer has denied the allegations of sexual abuse and said that he will prove his innocence in the court.

Shiamak, a National Award winning talent, 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 Shiamak, who bagged the National Award for Shah Rukh Khan-starrer "Dil To Pagal Hai".

He also went on to say that "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," added Shiamak.

A celebrated name in the Indian film industry, Shiamak whose choreography has gone from Bollywood to Hollywood blockbusters such as "Mission Impossible 4", has "total faith in the justice system of British Columbia that my name shall be cleared on all accounts".

OneIndia News

(With inputs from IANS)