My initial thought was isn’t an item dance an expression of female sexuality. However, after reading on Bollywood item dances and their lyrics, I have drastically changed my views on this.
So what is the problem with Item dances?
1. The lyrics of most of these songs are disgraceful and demeaning towards women. I started translating a few of popular songs and got to know how vulgar these lyrics were.
2. The very name of this dance as 'item dance' reducing the women performing to an object and objectifying her. It is almost equivalent to calling her a sex toy.
3. Most of these songs have filthy and disgusting lyrics, however they are also certified by the censor board for viewership of all age groups.
Another thing I came across when I started researching on this issue is that most of these songs are misplaced and seemed like an effort to include such a dance which didn’t fit the storyline in anyway.
It seemed like an effort to increase the revenues of the movie. Also another thing that surprised me is that most of these songs are performed by reputed heroines who themselves call them feminists. I find this ironical. What do you think?
Edited:
1. Also, after many viewers have started telling me that objectification is starting to happen with male actors also. I just have to say that objectification is wrong be it male or female. Human beings should be treated with respect.
2. I don't believe banning item songs are a solution. However, I don't think they're lyrics are appropriate or suitable for all age groups. Especially, since our censor board censors cuss words and gives films with cuss words an "A" certificate. But easily certifies movies with degrading item songs for a "U" certificate.
