Anita Raheja-Heena Agarwal discover that on the weekends it’s khatla to patla for Shiamak Davar.
Renowned choreographer Shiamak Davar, who is gearing to celebrate 25 years of his annual programme ‘Summer Funk’, takes times off to share what he does on his weekends.
Weekends are busier
Shiamak’s weekends are definitely different than those of most others. He says, “You know, when you’re in the entertainment field, the weekends are honestly busier than the weekdays! Most of the shows, whether award functions, corporate events, my student shows, take place on the weekend. Otherwise, I’m rehearsing for shows on weekends!”
No plans
Dancing is his all-consuming passion. Shiamak shares, “I mostly live in the moment, so I don’t really plan in terms of looking forward for the weekend. If there are shows, then I look forward to those, rehearsing on stage, making the vision come alive.”
Partial to a Parsi meal and theatre
A homebody, Shiamak divulges, “Saturdays I’d probably catch a movie with friends and go for dinner. Sundays I relax at home, I read and play with my dogs. Afternoons are family time with my mother, brother and family, and for a typical Parsi meal. This is followed by movies and dinner with my friends and family. And I love reading. I’m an avid reader of spiritual books. Whenever I’m travelling or have the time, you’ll mostly find me reading. I’m not a party person, I don’t really enjoy going to clubs. I’d rather chill with my ance company members, my friends – go out for dinner or coffee shops post our rehearsals.”
Shiamak doesn’t always go to the cinema halls to watch films he likes to binge on Netflix and Prime Video fare at home and claims, “I’m completely hooked to multiple shows! Every night, post work I look forward to going home and catching up on them. In the recent past there have been many musicals and plays that Mumbai has and I try and catch them over the weekends, as I always enjoy performing arts and encouraging theatre.”
Fitness plans
“Dance is my work out,” says Shiamak. “So, weekdays or weekends, teaching dance to my One Year Program students keeps me fit.” Ask him if he pampers himself with beauty treatments or goes to a spa or swims and he counter questions, “Have you tried dancing? It’s the best way to keep your body, mind and skin healthy! I don’t take any beauty treatments.”
From khatla to patla
On Sundays, Shiamak sleeps till late in the morning and quips, “I wake up in time for brunch on weekends.” He indulges in food and begins his day by eating special akuri. He says, “That’s a weekend ritual. Otherwise, mutton dhansak and chicken farcha,” He relishes chicken red curry too. He adds, “My sister-in law makes amazing desserts and it’s the weekend we all dig in and enjoy the desserts with our special mint tea and chill.”
Eternally grateful
He exults, “I don’t say ‘Thank God it’s Friday’ instead I say ‘Thank God it’s a new day!’ I’m grateful for every day. I experienced Monday morning blues in my school days but now I look forward to planning new projects for the week.”
Weekend agenda
Shiamak signs off with: “A big show is coming up, so the weekends will be dedicated to rehearsals! You’ll find me at my studio the entire weekend!”
