Two North Vancouver men are suing one of India’s biggest celebrities for alleged sexual abuse.
Jimmy Mistry, 33, and Percy Shroff, 40, have both filed civil lawsuits in B.C. Supreme Court against 53-year-old Shiamak Davar, a dance teacher whose choreography has been featured in blockbusters like Mission Impossible 4.
Davar divides his time between Mumbai and North Vancouver.
In their lawsuit, Mistry and Shroff allege Davar is a controlling leader of a sect called VRRP Spiritual Learning, a group they were a part of during their teen and adult years. The pair also claim they endured unwanted sexual advances, like kissing on the lips and masturbation, while they were working for Davar’s dance company.
In a written response to the allegations, Davar has denied them completely.
“Even though I am extremely anxious to speak the truth, I have been advised not to do so publicly by my lawyer, David Crossin, as this matter is now before the court. I have total faith in the justice system of British Columbia that my name shall be cleared on all accounts,” Davar said in an emailed statement.
Shroff’s lawsuit claims Davar repeatedly pressured the then 16 or 17 year old to talk about his feelings towards other men, and when he didn’t, Davar told him his soul would not move ahead spiritually.
Not yet conscious of being gay, Shroff alleged he was “stunned” when Davar reportedly called one day to say, “I know your secret.”
Sexual acts followed, including Davar making Shroff lie on top of him and “grind his crotch into the defendant’s”, according to Shroff’s claim.
Shroff was punished when he didn’t comply, the lawsuit states, with Davar taking him out of good dance roles.
Years later, Shroff married and had a child under pressure from group leaders, but Shroff claims Davar then ordered him to tell his wife he was gay after receiving a telepathic message from the spirit world. Shroff agreed and the two separated.
Shroff, whose ex-wife is still in the group, says in the lawsuit he wishes to protect his son from Davar’s control, which he fears could turn his son against him.
Mistry’s lawsuit alleges similar treatment, including sexual grooming reportedly starting at a similar age.
On one occasion, Mistry alleges he received a hickey on the neck from Davar.
Mistry also had a girlfriend, who he claims in the lawsuit he broke up with because he was afraid he would be thrown out of VRRP sect.
In his statement of defence filed on May 7, Davar denies every allegation in both lawsuits and says he never had sexual relations with any of his dancers.
In his statement of defence, Davar said Shroff confided in him that he was being unfaithful in his marriage, regularly using homosexual chat rooms as an outlet.
Davar said during Shroff’s divorce, Davar attempted to remain neutral.
“The plaintiff would often contact Mr. Davar and beg for his support in the litigation, specifically in matters related to custody and access to his son,” the statement of defence reads.
After he denied repeated requests, Davar alleges Shroff told him, “I will ruin everything for you” and “I can’t wait to tell the whole world that you are gay . . . I have nothing to lose, and as a celebrity you have everything to lose.”
Davar is asking that the cases be dismissed.
None of the allegations have been proven in court.
