Choreographer Shiamak Davar sued for alleged sexual abuse

Image
Press Trust of India Toronto
Last Updated : May 08 2015 | 7:13 PM IST
Bollywood choreographer Shiamak Davar has been sued by two former Indo-Canadian dance students for alleged sexual harassment.
Percy Shroff, 40, and Jimmy Mistry, 33, have filed two lawsuits in British Columbia Supreme Court alleging Davar of being sexually abusive and controlling leader of a sect called VRRP Spiritual Learning group.
Davar, 53, has dismissed claims in a written response. He claims the allegations are not true and the two former dancers are trying to ruin "his character, reputation and affiliated organizations."
Shroff and Mistry, both of North Vancouver, claim they endured years of unwanted sexual touching at the hands of Davar who they allege abused his authority as their spiritual leader to control all aspects of their lives, according to a report by CBC News.
Davar, who splits his time between Mumbai and North Vancouver, says he is the "custodian" of VRRP, not its leader.
VRRP follows the teachings of Khorsheed Bhavnagari, who wrote The Laws of the Spirit World, in which she claimed her two dead sons communicated with her.
The choreographer said he "has never had inappropriate sexual relations" with any dancer in his company or used his spirituality to manipulate, control or threaten anyone.
Shroff and Mistry are claiming damages for psychological injuries.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: May 08 2015 | 7:13 PM IST

Next Story