Are item songs on their way out?

Several top actors — Sonakshi Sinha, Shraddha Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Vidya Balan, Priyanka Chopra, among others — have done special numbers in films in recent past. Industry experts, however, feel that item songs are losing steam, and are not effective as publicity tools.

Last week, it was reported that Kareena Kapoor Khan will be doing an item song in film-maker Karan Johar’s next, starring Akshay Kumar and Sidharth Malhotra. Apart from Kareena, nearly every other A-list female actor — including Sonakshi Sinha, Shraddha Kapoor, Katrina Kaif, Vidya Balan and Priyanka Chopra, among others — has done such special numbers in films.



However, industry experts now feel that item songs are losing steam, and are not as effective as publicity tools as they used to be.



Publicity stunt

Film-makers believe that such songs are announced to promote the film, but a few feel that they don’t always work. "Announcing a collaboration with a big star for an item song — even before people know about the film’s subject — is meaningless publicity," says director Anees Bazmee, who himself had an item song in Ready (2011) featuring Zarine Khan.

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Kareena in a still from Fevicol Se, an item song from Dabangg 2.



However, Bazmee also points out that it makes more sense if a star is roped in to do an item song. "People won’t bother if a regular artiste does one. But when a star is engaged, the song becomes the talking point and a potential marketing tool."



Lack of content?

Publicity is not the only motive behind such dance numbers. Trade experts feel that sometimes lack of quality content creates the requirement for an item number in a film. "When a film-maker does not have much to promote a film, such an announcement is made. Interestingly, some film-makers, after shooting the song, struggle to find an appropriate space to add it in the film, and eventually play it during the rolling credits," says trade expert Vinod Mirani.

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Sonakshi Sinha made a special apearance for Akshay Kumar's Boss.



Taking forward from Mirani’s stance, Sharma believes that the trend will die out. "I believe it peaked with Kajra Re (Bunty Aur Babli; 2005). Then it became a trend, and now it is overdone. Soon it will be gone," he says.



Perks for actors

Till the trend lasts, it will benefit the actors. "Even if the song fails to help the film at the box office, actors can demand huge amounts to perform the song at events," says trade expert Komal Nahta.