Veteran Bollywood actress Shabana Azmi has spoken out about the increasing trend of item songs in Bollywood and their impact on the portrayal of women. At the recent 'We The Women' event in Mumbai, she articulated her discomfort with how women are depicted in these songs, emphasizing that the vulgar lyrics have become a part of mainstream culture, which often goes unchallenged. Azmi lamented that while such songs are enjoyed by many, conversations around their deeper meanings are rare.

She referenced the iconic song 'Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai' from the 1993 film 'Khalnayak', which continues to be popular and is even sung by children today. Azmi expressed concern that many young people repeat the lyrics without fully grasping their true significance, highlighting a disconnection between entertainment and understanding. This phenomenon underscores the potential influence of popular culture on younger audiences and raises questions about the responsibility of creators and the society.

Moreover, Azmi pointed out that item songs often cater to the male gaze, where the focus of the camera tends to be on women's bodies rather than their identities or stories. She emphasized that this objectification transforms women into mere 'objects', perpetuating harmful stereotypes in a society that should aspire towards empowerment and equality. Azmi's critique invites a broader discussion on the cultural implications of entertainment and the necessity for a shift toward more respectful representations of women in media.