Who does not remember the iconic number Mehbooba from Sholay? Helen, in her electrifying green costume, Amjad Khan, in a coordinated green shirt, and Jalal Agha, playing his banjo, become a representation of debauchery. In the glorious past, item numbers have long been a staple. They were usually part of the sinister world of villains and vamps where the hero would enter and bring a dramatic end to it. Usually, the actress did not interact with the vamps and villains as much as the hero did. This article talks about the evolution of item numbers in Bollywood.
The world of villains and vamps was usually established with a scene where men were drinking or gambling, followed by an item number. The songs were known for their catchy tunes, extravagant choreography, sexy ensembles, gyrating moves, and glamorous settings ( usually with a villain presiding over the scene or the hero having fun or being melancholic/ brooding over life and failures).
Evolution of item numbers in Bollywood: The past
Traditionally, these sequences have primarily showcased women, often portrayed as objects of desire, embodying sensuality and allure. The face of item numbers started blurring over the years, and the vamp and the heroines became interchangeable. With the influx of South Indian movies in Bollywood and actresses wearing bolder clothes, the late 80s started showing a change in the role of vamps. Sometimes, it got mixed with humour or comedy (a bit of sex and humour worked well); sometimes, the heroines took part in vamp-ish songs (Madhuri, Sridevi, Mandakini, Sonu Walia, Sonam et al.).
The item numbers have evolved over the years, starting with Nimmi, Bindu, and Helen to Yana Gupta, Malaika Arora, and prominent heroines like Kareena Kapoor and Katrina Kaif. Today, sadly, we miss the vamps. However, we continue to have item numbers that showcase the female body, the far more chiselled ones. What we miss is the mole, the villain’s arm candy, in movies as the lines between the heroine and the vamp blur.
The female gaze: The item number with Shahrukh Khan
As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential to embrace diverse representations of masculinity and femininity, fostering a more inclusive and equitable cinematic landscape for future generations. There is one shining exception in the long history of Bollywood. A man in an item number. Shahrukh Khan’s iconic “Dard-e-Disco” in the film “Om Shanti Om,” a paradigm shift occurred. It challenges conventional notions of gender roles and redefines the portrayal of masculinity in Bollywood. Here, he bore his body, and the women went,” Oo la la”.
Item numbers: The Power Play
Item numbers have historically served as a vehicle for male villains to showcase their demonic sides or revel in moments of celebration. Meanwhile, female performers have frequently been relegated to the sidelines. These female performers served as mere embellishments to enhance the visual spectacle. However, Shahrukh Khan’s electrifying performance in “Dard-e-Disco” marked a departure from the norm. In this song, Khan exudes confidence and charisma, commanding the screen with his magnetic presence and dynamic dance moves. Being objectified, Khan’s portrayal challenges traditional gender stereotypes, presenting him as a symbol of beauty and sexiness and a person defying the age-old Bollywood norms. Here, his power as a male diminishes, and he becomes genuinely gender-fluid.
Evolution of item numbers in Bollywood: Redefining masculinity
“Dard-e-Disco” encapsulates a significant shift in the portrayal of masculinity in Indian cinema. Farah Khan’s directorial marvel champions the fact that men can exude sensuality and confidence. Additionally, it challenges the notion that being ‘eye candy’ is exclusive to female characters. Through his performance, Khan embodies a new archetype of masculinity—one that is not bound by conventional expectations. Instead, it embraces his sexuality and vulnerability. The scene ends with being scared as the character has a long history with fire.
What it does to the audience
Khan’s inclusion in the item number disrupts the traditional power dynamics prevalent in Bollywood. Instead of being passive objects of desire, “the man, the hero, and King Khan” in “Dard-e-Disco” become the active objects of desire. The beautiful and scantily clad women in the background are just props and no longer objects of desire. This egalitarian representation challenges the prevalent patriarchal norms. Moreover, it emphasises the importance of mutual respect and collaboration between genders.
Summing up the evolution of item numbers in Bollywood
The evolution of item numbers in mainstream Indian cinema reflects broader societal changes. It showcases the shifting attitudes toward gender roles. As women become stronger and are in a position to wear revealing clothes, one does not need an item number to showcase a female body. The actresses can do that part.
The objectification of women in movies continues to persist. What is unfortunate is that while perfect forms are celebrated in film, they perpetuate harmful stereotypes and reinforce patriarchal norms. The women continue to please the male audience. Also, these unattainable body standards have become benchmarks for everyday women. Therefore, we want more of Dard-E-Disco. It brings in a beat of equality. Probably, the sexual lens through which men look at women would change if more male actors opt for item numbers. While we wait for Indian cinema to push boundaries and challenge the status quo, let’s celebrate Dard-E-Disco.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are based on the writer’s insights, supported by data and resources available both online and offline, as applicable. Changeincontent.com is committed to promoting inclusivity across all forms of content, which we define broadly to include media, policies, law, and history—encompassing all elements that influence the lives of women and gender-queer individuals. Our goal is to promote understanding and advocate for comprehensive inclusivity.
