Entertainment Icon Shiamak Davar Honoured With Middlesex University Doctorate

Entertainment Icon Shiamak Davar Honoured With Middlesex University Doctorate

LONDON, July 14, 2011/PRNewswire/ --

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.

Source: Middlesex University

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

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