Entertainment Icon Shiamak Davar Honoured With Middlesex University Doctorate

LONDON, July 14, 2011 -

Shiamak Davar is to receive an honorary doctorate from Middlesex
University London, in recognition of his contribution to
entertainment in India and throughout the world.

The influential choreographer, famous for pioneering
contemporary dance which brings together Indian and Western styles,
will be presented with his degree at a ceremony in London on 22
July.

Shiamak has directed, designed and choreographed for Bollywood
stars including world-renowned composer AR Rahman and the
successful Bollywood show The Unforgettable Tour, starring Amitabh
Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan and Aishwarya Rai.

Work seen on a global scale also includes his role as director
for the ceremonies of the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne and
Delhi.

Other high profile work includes appearances on Indian
television dance reality shows Dance ke Superstars and Dance
Premier League and his role as a celebrity guest judge on India’s
Got Talent.

Shiamak Davar said: “I am truly honoured to receive the award of
Doctor of the University from Middlesex University. My parents,
both pioneers in the field of education, imbibed the importance of
education in me. I am blessed to be able to continue their legacy
as a dance educationist. I started my journey in the field of
performing arts in the UK and receiving this honour completes this
circle. With my mission to educate, entertain and empower people,
this acknowledgement reinforces my belief…..Have feet, will dance.
Have spirit, will triumph.”

Middlesex University Vice-Chancellor Michael Driscoll said:
“Middlesex is an international university so we are thrilled to
honour a truly international entertainer. We have a strong
relationship with India that’s growing all the time and welcoming a
talent like Shiamak to our graduation ceremony will inspire the
next generation of performers and artists both in India and here in
London.”

Shiamak’s award is made as part of the University’s annual
graduation celebrations, with honorary degrees presented to people
who have made an outstanding contribution to their profession or
the community. Other well known figures receiving Middlesex
honorary doctorates this year include former international
cricketer Phil Tufnell and human rights advocate Shami
Chakrabarti.

Middlesex University has a long standing commitment to providing
higher education in India and celebrating Indian talent. Current
projects include a new Middlesex University centre opening in Noida
this year, a partnership with A. R. Rahman’s KM Music Conservatory
in Chennai and a specialist creative arts centre in southern
Delhi.

Photos of Shiamak Davar collecting his honorary doctorate will
be available on request after 22 July.

For information contact: Sam Spindlow (PR Manager), Middlesex University, Email: s.spindlow at mdx.ac.uk , Tel: +44(0)20-8411-5505 , Website: www.mdx.ac.uk