I was not comfortable singing many item songs post Chikni Chameli: Shreya Ghosal

Shreya Ghoshal is not comfortable singing item numbers and says that they lack class and are not sensual.

She sang the popular item number Chikni Chameli — picturised on actor Katrina Kaif — in the film Agneepath (2012), but singer Shreya Ghoshal is not comfortable when it comes to singing provocative dance songs.

Shreya Ghosal is no more interested in singing item numbers.

The 32-year-old singer feels that India is a country with regressive mindset when it comes to women, and adds that item numbers only add fuel to the fire.

“One aspect, of those who say that item numbers are distasteful, is right. I mean in a country like India, where women are not treated with respect, they are right in pointing out that item numbers only strengthen the stereotype,” she says.

“Post Chikni Chameli, I got many requests from filmmakers to sing item numbers. But I just couldn’t agree to sing them, because I was not comfortable singing them,” she adds.

Ghoshal, who is considered one of the best singers of the current generation, says as long as songs are written sensually, she has no problems. “If a woman is sexy and one is calling her that sensually, then there is no problem. One has to draw a line. I don’t have a problem in singing sensual songs. See, I need to be comfortable while I am singing. If I am getting embarrassed by singing the words, or I can’t feel the song, then I can’t sing it,” she says.