Shiamak, a pioneer of new dance forms: Ameesha Patel

Actress Ameesha Patel is so impressed with choreographer Shiamak Davar and his style of dancing that she calls him the "pioneer of new dance forms".

"Shiamak (Davar)ji is a pioneer of new dance forms. Earlier, dance uses to be typical Bollywood, but it is Shiamak, who has brought the modern dance forms mixed with filminess," Ameesha said here at an event organised by Shiamak where her "Shortcut Romeo" co-sar Neil Nitin Mukesh was also present.

The two were there to promote Susi Ganeshan directed thriller "Shortcut Romeo".

"He is the one who brought the acceptability that we can also do something different, can also compete with Hollywood," added Ameesha, who had last year performed with the choreographer at Apsara Awards.

Known for contemporary style of dancing, Shiamak has choreographed dance sequences in movies like "Taal", "Kisna", "Bunty Aur Babli" and "Dil To Pagal Hai".

In fact, Shiamak is credited to be the first Indian to popularise contemporary jazz and western forms of dances in the country through his school SDIPA (Shiamak Davar Institute for the Performing Arts).

Concluding, she said: "Year after year, Shiamakji improves himself. He has great energy, there is never any sign of tiredness over his face, no lack of enthusiasm. He keeps encouraging."

Neil, who has been a student of Shiamak's, too, heaped praises on the choreographer.

He said that he is able to dance, "because of one man and that is Shiamak Davar," Neil, who has showed his moves in the songs like "Aa Dekhen Zara" and now in "Shortcut Romeo".

"There is a beautiful thing that he has probably taught his students - keep a smile on your face because that's a curve line that puts everything straight," added the 31-year-old.