Ananya Panday on Item Numbers: Being Sexy with Control Is Key

The Bollywood industry and its audience have always had mixed opinions when it comes to item numbers in Indian films. Iconic songs such as Sheila Ki Jawani featuring Katrina Kaif and Munni Badnaam starring Malaika Arora created waves when they were released, becoming massive hits. However, alongside their popularity, these music videos were met with sharp criticism from a section of movie-goers who found them problematic for objectifying women.

Recently, in an interview, Bollywood actor Ananya Panday shared her thoughts on the controversial subject. When asked about her stance on item numbers, Ananya spoke candidly about how the Indian audience is highly impressionable. "I feel the same way about myself," she said, expressing her awareness of the influence that films and songs can have on viewers.

Ananya stressed that as actors and creative individuals, there’s a responsibility to be conscious of what is shown on screen. “We have to be aware of the content we put out. But at the end of the day, it’s entertainment,” she said, acknowledging the delicate balance between creativity and responsibility.

When questioned about whether she would ever do an item number herself, Ananya revealed that it would depend on certain conditions. “There are ways to be sexy; it’s important that the girl has control over how she is being portrayed,” she explained. Her comment highlights the shift in modern Bollywood, where actresses are now advocating for greater agency over how their image is presented in films, even in the realm of glamorous item numbers.

Ananya’s stance reflects her understanding of both the demands of the entertainment industry and the importance of staying mindful of the messages that films convey, especially in a country where cinema has a significant impact on cultural norms.

For her, it’s not about completely dismissing the idea of an item number but ensuring that such performances are empowering for the women involved, rather than objectifying them. This mindset aligns with the evolving approach in Bollywood, where female actors are becoming increasingly vocal about having autonomy over their roles, performances, and the way they are portrayed on screen.

While the debate on item numbers continues to divide opinions, Ananya Panday’s take shows a progressive outlook, suggesting that item numbers can still exist in a more respectful and empowering framework if handled with care.