Delhi gang-rape impact: Bollywood girls turning down item numbers

While some actresses are saying no to raunchy dance tracks, others claim such moral policing are unnecessary in films
By Sneha May Francis
Published Sunday, January 20, 2013
First it was Ayesha Takia, then Neha Dhupia. And now, Kareena Kapoor.
These B-town beauties have reportedly announced their decision not to do item numbers.
The brash, suggestive dance tracks, that not only rake in the moolah but also work as agreat career boaster for actresses is suddenly being frowned upon.
And this outcome is the aftermath of the recent gruesome events that lead to the gang-rape of a 23-year-old Delhi student, and later her death.
The Indian film industry came under the scanner, with many accusing it of objectifying women, and in a way wrongly influencing the commoners.
Ayesha Takia, who has taken a sabbatical post her marriage, insists she won't accept any raunchy dance tracks ever. "I'll never ever do item numbers and neither have I ever done one," she told the Indian media.
While her other peers, Neha Dhupia and Kareena Kapoor, might have cited date problems and marriage as their reason to step out, manyindustry insiders believe that the "girls are making a conscious effort to make a decent make-over".
Neha had earlier done item numbers in movies 'Nehlle Pe Dehlla', 'HeyyBaby' and 'De Dana Dan'.
And, Kareena in 'Ra.One', 'Heroine' and 'Dabangg2'.
So, could this mean the end ofthe item girls?
"No. It won't be the end of item numbers. Besides item numbers per se are not the problem," explains 'Talaash' director Reema Kagti.
Agrees noted filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt. "I don't think one should succumb to this kind of moral policing. And oneshould know that our films arebeing censored before its release."
During the promotional event for 'Race 2' in Dubai last week, actress Ameesha Patel faced the brunt of media queries for saying that the action-thriller is "racier and steamier than its predecessor".
Some would term the statement was a tad insensitive in light of the Delhicase.
However, Patel was quick to shoot down such a sentiment, stating: "By this argument, if cinema has had a negative influence on its audience, thensurely, the flipside is also true and it can have a positive change too.
"Stealing, using drugs and rape, this is not cinematic influence but a person's mindset."
When asked outright, Patel, who did an item song in a bikini for 'Thoda Pyaar ThodaMagic' said she would happily sign on for one if it was tastefully done.
Actress Deepika Padukone didn't disagree either, saying: "You can't blame cinema for flaws in society."
Criticising the Indian government, the feisty actress continued to say: "Laws in our country need to be stricter and action needs to be taken. This people who commit the crimes think they can get away it in our country and that is what needs to change."
Actor Saif Ali Khan, whose wifeKareena Kapoor has faced a lot of flak of late for gyrating on screen to the lyrics of 'Halkat Jawani' that croons 'why desire me with just your eyes, when you can touch', also jumped into the controversy to say: "Violence on screen is sensitised. I won't say it isn't worrisome that some college kids laugh at violent scenes but targeting cinema is wrong when games such as 'Grand Theft Auto' or any such shooter games are way more gruesome."
However, 'Mission Impossible 4' star, Anil Kapoor, father to actress Sonam Kapoor who is allegedly donning a bikini in her forthcoming film, was quitevocal in the social responsibility that comes with being a public figure.
Without commenting on 'item songs' in particular, he stated: "As actors I feel that we do have some responsibility towards our audience.
"When I was younger, I had the privilege to interact with one of India's finest actors and filmmakers, Mr Raj Kapoor, who told me that whilefilms can entertain, they can also carry a moral message."
Incidentally, Kapoor, during his heydays in the industry, faced a lot of criticism for his portrayal of actresses in filmssuch as 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram', 'Mera Naam Joker'and 'Ram Teri Ganga Maili' andeven being accused of promoting partial nudity in cinema.
These criticisms have polarized the industry into taking a strong stand against the way women are being portrayed in Indian films.
"I think misrepresentation is the problem not over-sexualisation. Our films put out the wrong idea about women, it comes from not understanding them," explains Reema.
"I hope the reaction we are seeing from filmmakers is stemming from them realising we play a huge role in propagating unhealthy genderpolitics. At the end of the day films shape culture and society and most of our films are extremely misogynist."

By Emirates 24/7