Shiamak Davar recalls SRK waiting for Gauri for hours

Shiamak Davar

never planned to enter films, but his career changed when he choreographed

Dil To Pagal Hai

(1997). His work revolutionized Indian dance, earning him the title of “guru of contemporary dance.” He recently shared that he accepted the film only because of Shah Rukh Khan’s persistence after rejecting DDLJ (1995).
Shiamak revealed Devna’s talk show that he entered films because Shah Rukh Khan persistently urged him to take up Dil To Pagal Hai. He had previously declined DDLJ, feeling it didn’t match his style. At the time, he was more focused on dance classes, stage performances, musical theatre, and had no interest in Bollywood.

Shiamak Davar loved watching Hindi and English films but never thought of working in Bollywood because his dance style was based on jazz and ballet. He recalled that Gauri Khan, his former dance student, invited him home as Shah Rukh wanted to talk. SRK insisted Davar join Dil To Pagal Hai, despite his concerns that his Western style wouldn’t fit. SRK kept persuading him for an hour until he agreed. The film, starring SRK, Madhuri Dixit, Karisma Kapoor, and Akshay Kumar, became a hit, and Davar won a National Film Award for his

choreography

.

The choreographer reminisced about Shah Rukh Khan’s dedication to his wife, Gauri. He shared that Gauri was his student for years, often modeling and dancing with him. Despite being a rising star during Baazigar, SRK would patiently wait outside the studio for hours while Gauri attended classes, showing his unwavering support.
Davar recalled a funny memory about Shah Rukh and Gauri’s late pet dog, Chewbacca, named after a Star Wars character. He mentioned how Chewbacca would playfully bite everyone. Davar also praised SRK’s humility, saying that despite his growing success, he has always remained down-to-earth.