Lead stars send the item-perature soaring

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Time has changed, and with that, certain trends in cinema too have changed. No denying that there cannot be another Helen in Bollywood, but we hardly need a replacement when the present crop of leading actresses is easily taking over the turf.

Recently, Kareena Kapoor announced that her item song in upcoming movie Heroine is the “raunchiest number” she has ever performed on. National Award winning actress Vidya Balan, too, did not hesitate from doing a lavani number Mala jau de! in Ferrari Ki Sawaari. Then, we have a bevy of actresses — Deepika Padukone, Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra and Lara Dutta — who did not shy away from performing special numbers in Bollywood.
No matter how much Rakhi Sawant or a Kashmira Shah may cry foul, or someone say that item numbers are not meant for leading actresses, the trend has changed. Katrina Kaif doing a Chikni Chameli guarantees attention and class.
Choreographer Terence Lewis says, “Time is changing and what did not work well at one point is now the USP of a film, which we should accept and enjoy. I am totally pro seeing an actress perform the promotional number as long as it is done aesthetically.”
Shiamak Davar supports Terence’s views and says, “A-list stars doing an item number is not an issue as they put class and grace into the song. They ensure that art form is not ruined.”
Choreographers say dancing in an item number is not a cakewalk, and involves talent. Terence says, “Watching a lead actress perform promotional numbers also shows another side of the actress — that of dedication, talent and art in the field of dance, which is not a bad trait at all. We have to get over with the idea that the heroine should have only shades of black or white. It could be gray as well.”
Furnishing an example, Shiamak says that the trend of actresses in item numbers is not something new, it existed even when Madhuri Dixit ruled the screen. “Earlier it was Helenji who would perform on such numbers. When she danced, there was trance and beauty in her movement. When Madhuri performed on Dhak Dhak, it had a class and she was called the dhak dhak girl after that. Everyone was okay with the trend till some inelegant moves were seen. So, I believe it is a good thing that we have established actresses performing in item numbers as they maintain dignity of the song,” says Shiamak.
Moreover, choreographers find it easy to work with a star than an unknown artiste. Choreographer Remo D’Souza feels, “It is better for a choreographer, director and producer if a leading actress does an item number than anyone unknown, or lesser known so to say. It ensures better visibility. And for us as choreographers, it is an easy task as actresses are more talented,” says he.
Rooting for stars in item numbers, the dance gurus feel that the trend is here to stay. “It will continue as long as Hindi films are made. Song and dance sequence are an integral part of our system and culture,” says Shiamak, to which Terence adds, “Art and life go on.”