MUMBAI (Web Desk) – A long-standing Bollywood tradition of flashy “item songs” is increasingly coming under criticism as younger audiences challenge the way women are portrayed in mainstream cinema.
For decades, such performances were marketed as crowd-pleasing entertainment, combining glamour, catchy music and elaborate choreography. However, changing social attitudes and evolving viewer expectations have sparked conversations about whether these sequences reinforce outdated stereotypes by reducing female characters to visual attractions rather than giving them meaningful roles.
The latest debate gained momentum after clips featuring Mouni Roy as Shammo in the upcoming film Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai began circulating on social media.
The actress had already generated discussion following the film’s trailer, which cast her as the mother of Varun Dhawan’s character despite the two stars being relatively close in age. While that casting decision puzzled many viewers, attention soon shifted to the song sequences themselves.
Social media users criticised the visuals for relying on familiar commercial cinema tropes, including a lone female performer surrounded by male dancers, exaggerated expressions and choreography that many felt catered to the traditional male gaze. Critics argued that such portrayals continue to prioritise spectacle over character depth.
The conversation extends beyond a single film.
Earlier, Nora Fatehi’s song Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke from KD: The Devil also attracted widespread backlash. Viewers questioned both its lyrics and choreography, describing them as regressive and insensitive in their depiction of women.
The criticism grew strong enough to draw the attention of the National Commission for Women, which publicly stated that artistic freedom should not come at the expense of women’s dignity and respect.
More recently, Peddi became another focal point in the ongoing debate. Janhvi Kapoor’s role in the Ram Charan starrer faced criticism from audiences who argued that her character lacked independence and existed primarily as an object of desire within the narrative.
Much of the backlash was directed not at the actresses themselves but at filmmakers and writers, with viewers questioning why female characters continue to be framed through outdated cinematic conventions.
