Veteran actor Shabana Azmi has shared her thoughts on the prevalence of item songs in Bollywood, saying that they often make her uncomfortable due to the way women are portrayed and how suggestive lyrics have become normalised in popular culture. Speaking in a recent interaction, Azmi pointed out that such songs are widely enjoyed, but their deeper implications are rarely discussed.
Referring to the popular track “Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai” from the 1993 film Khal Nayak, Azmi noted that the song continues to be sung widely, even by children.
She said this is what particularly troubles her, as many young people repeat the lyrics without fully understanding their meaning.
According to the actor, this reflects how certain forms of entertainment become so embedded in everyday culture that people stop questioning what they are actually saying or representing.
Azmi also highlighted how item numbers often rely heavily on the “male gaze,” where women are presented primarily as objects of visual attraction.
She explained that such portrayals can strip female characters of agency and reduce them to decorative figures within the narrative. While these songs are often created to be entertaining and commercially appealing, Azmi believes they can reinforce problematic ideas about gender roles.
The actor acknowledged that Bollywood music has played a major role in shaping popular culture in India, which is why she believes the industry must remain conscious of the messages it sends through its content.
She suggested that filmmakers and audiences alike should think more critically about the impact of such songs.
Over the years, Azmi has consistently spoken about the need for stronger representation of women in cinema and more responsible storytelling.
Her comments have once again sparked conversation around the place of item songs in Bollywood and whether their portrayal of women needs to evolve with changing times.
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