Not everyone condemns item songs outright. Shabana Azmi has noted that some numbers, like “Beedi Jalaile” from Omkara , can be empowering when the woman remains in control. Sharmila Tagore adds that “every item song is not vulgar. Women who perform them do not become less deserving of respect”. The key distinction is : an actress who chooses to perform a bold number is different from a system that constantly frames women as decoration for male consumption. And too often, Bollywood has defaulted to the latter.
The Bollywood film industry has the power to shape cultural attitudes and influence societal norms. As such, it is crucial that filmmakers take responsibility for the content they create and strive to produce films that promote positive change. By showcasing complex and nuanced female characters, challenging patriarchal norms, and providing a platform for women's voices to be heard, Bollywood cinema can help to create a more equitable and just society. Not everyone condemns item songs outright
Look at the box office disasters of 2022-2024. Big budget "babe-centric" glamour fests like Shamshera or Ganapath crashed. Why? Because the audience sniffed out "suck entertainment" from the trailer itself. Women who perform them do not become less
The dysfunction extends to internal industry battles. The between Ranveer Singh and Farhan Akhtar has spiralled into one of Bollywood’s biggest disputes, complete with legal notices, compensation demands (reportedly ₹45 crore), and a non‑cooperation directive from the Federation of Western India Cine Employees. What started as a simple casting change has escalated into a legal maelstrom, exposing deep fault lines between stars and industry bodies. The Bollywood film industry has the power to
: A major point of "press" and public "entertainment" in recent years is the rise of second and third-generation actors (popularly called "nepo babies").
Would you prefer an investigation into the governing entertainment media?
Capturing emotional or unexpected interactions, such as Ranveer Singh’s tributes to industry veterans.