Return to his first love

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In the late 90s, the catchy beat of Shiamak Davar’s Mohabbat Kar Le from his debut music album of the same name was difficult to miss. Released in 1999, Dil Chahe, his second effort, was similarly successful — although it didn’t become quite as ubiquitous as Mohabbat Kar Le.

Nearly 13 years later, the man who taught us to think about dance beyond the jhatkas Bollywood familiarised, is back in his crooner’s avatar. Titled Shabop, his latest album features 10 tracks that were released on the digital music platform, Artist Aloud.
The dance maestro admits that his focus on his performing arts school, his film-related work and special projects like the Commonwealth Games kept him away from the music scene. “But singing in fact, was my first love,” he says. “From childhood on, I would sing in school, perform for my family and friends. I was a legend in the living room! So I’m glad the album has finally happened.”
“Shabop”, Shiamak tells us, means “don’t worry, just dance”. It fits in with the overarching philosophy of his dance classes as well: “Have feet, will dance”. He explains how his philosophy developed: “My spiritual guides, the Bhavnagris helped me realise my mission of spreading the joy of dance; using the power of the performing arts to heal. People from the age of four to 84 come to my classes, and dance. Music is therapeutic, and dance for me, is music made visible.”
The music on Shabop has been received a boost in the form of collaborations with artistes like Shankar Mahadevan, Hariharan, Shweta Pandit, DJ Aqeel, DJ RaOwl and music director Zubin Balaporia. Shiamak says each person associated with the album has been part of his journey at some point of time or the other and has stood by him through thick and thin.
On the anvil now is an international music album, a few musicals, dance classes and Bollywood projects that “it’s too early to comment on,” says Shiamak. In the meantime, he has a message for all of Shabop’s listeners. “Enjoy the music, there is something for every one, every mood and every emotion,” exhorts Shiamak. “Don’t stop, do the Shabop!”