Shabana Azmi SLAMS Item Numbers In Bollywood, Dubs Them ‘Extremely Uncomfortable’ Saying, “Women Lose Control, Surrender To Male Gaze”

Veteran actress Shabana Azmi has been vocal about the many issues that plague the film industry. Over the years, she has spoken on issues such as women’s rights and the rights of marginalised communities. The award-winning actress was a speaker at the We The Women event held in Mumbai, where she shared her thoughts on the impact of item numbers in films. Item numbers generally feature female actors dancing on energetic beats and often contain sensual imagery.

Shabana Azmi Calls Out Item Numbers In Bollywood

Speaking at the event, the veteran actress referred to the imagery. She said, “Cinema is defined by the image. So when you have disconnected images,” adding it all depends on shots like “heaving bosom, or shaking navel,” which reveal “the intention of the director.” She added, “I feel in an item number, a woman loses all control and surrenders to the male gaze,” she added.

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Shabana challenged the empowerment excuse. “So she is objectifying herself, and some of the lyrics which she is singing… I find it extremely, extremely uncomfortable, and I disagree with it. A lot of women say that if males can do it, then why shouldn’t we do it? But if the males are willing to get objectified, why should you agree to get objectified?” she questioned.

She said she is worried about society’s blind acceptance. Adding, “I have a very big problem with that and most of the time it has nothing to do with the story. It is a thing by itself. What then worries me is the society’s reaction to it, because then you go to these functions and there are little children singing Choli ke Peeche kya hain, and everyone is laughing to them. Nobody is paying attention to the words and are just going with it,” she noted.

Over decades, Shabana has championed women’s rights and marginalized voices. She stands as Indian cinema’s most decorated actor. She’s the only performer to win the National Film Award for Best Actress five times, for Ankur, Arth, Khandhar, Paar, and Godmother. She pioneered parallel cinema and last appeared in Netflix’s Dabba Cartel.​

Shabana Azmi’s sharp critique reignites debate on women in cinema. Her words urge filmmakers and audiences to rethink item song tropes. She continues inspiring change through candid activism and timeless performances.

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Varsha Tiwari

Varsha Tiwari is a budding content writer passionate about Bollywood, pop culture, and the stories behind the spotlight. She enjoys breaking down trends, celebrity moments, and film narratives into engaging, reader-friendly content. Always curious and observant, she is currently pursuing a Master’s in Communication and Journalism. Outside of writing, she enjoys painting because storytelling doesn’t always need words to make an impact.