Though the subtle rage over item songs and their videos is more recent, the concept has been a part of Bollywood since decades. These days a number of lead actresses are coming forward to do the ‘latkas and jhatkas’ in their films, whether it is Deepika Padukone doing pole dancing in “Naam Tera Padke” or Katrina Kaif rolling out fabrics in “Kamli”. No wonder this is a step towards greater publicity and lengthened on-screen presence. But does it suffice for that quintessential dancing style and body language of a pro item girl? Here we take a look at some of the most celebrated item girls of Bollywood, their charismatic personality and their distinct style. The sizzling divas who have made their own mark despite the presence of mainstream actresses.
10. Yana Gupta
A famous model, this Czech beauty got everyone swooning over with her tantalizing performance in “Babuji Zara Dheere Chalo”. One song and Yana was a hit! With stunning looks that are a mix of cute and sexy, Yana has modeled for renowned brands like Lakme, Nivea, Limca and MTV. Yana continued her item dance spree with “Oh! What a Babe!” and “Laila Laila Laila”. Rumors have it that Yana is considering entering Bollywood again.
9. Mumaith Khan
Mumaith is a Pakistan-born Mumbai girl with unmatched energy levels. Her performances are usually power-packed and loaded with fast dance moves. She gained popularity with her super hot performance in “Dekh Le” from the movie Munna Bhai MBBS. After that she was seen in another sultry song “Lut Gayee” from the movie Hulchul. Her latest Bollywood item song is Preetam Pyaare (Rowdy Rathore).
8. Gauhar Khan
A hardworking professional, Gauhar Khan has steadily made her position in the film industry. Her career as an item girl began with the song “Nasha Nasha” from the movie Aan – Men At Work. Then followed a more sultry performance in the song “Parda Parda” from the movie Once upon a time in Mumbai. Her latest appearance in two songs from the movie Ishaqzaade, “Hua Chokra Jawan” and “Jhalla Wallah” got her much deserved recognition and admiration.
7. Mallika Sherawat
Mallika hit our senses with her bold performance in the movie Murder and that marked her entry as a sultry actress in Bollywood. Transforming more into an item dance girl, Mallika has had the most number of seductive names be it Laila, Razia, Shalu or Jalebi Bai. Whether it is her provocative belly dancing in “Maiya Maiya or ‘hissssing’ in a skin tight snake dress, this slithery beauty is surely one of the toppers on the list.
6. Rakhi Sawant
The loudest of them all, Rakhi Sawant has got the grit! This sultry siren became the heartbeat of millions with her sexy performance in “Dekhta Hai Tu Kya” from the movie Krazzy 4. Her simultaneous sizzling acts in remix songs like “Pardesiya Yeh Sach Hai Piya” further made her a popular item dance girl. Besides her unquestionable dancing skills, it is her in-your-face attitude that keeps her in the news.
5. Kareena Kapoor Khan
Kareena Kapoor Khan has donned the hat of a commercial movie actress until recently. Nowadays the lady can be seen in a number of item songs, with her movie appearances zeroing down. Her first considerable stint at item dancing was in the movie Don on the song “Yeh Mera Dil”. Some of her recent item song performances include “Fevicol Se”, “Halkat Jawani”, “Dil Mera Muft Ka”, and “Chammak Challo”. According to an unofficial announcement, her song “Fevicol Se” was supposed to be her last item song, however, the latest update is that she is doing an item number in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming flick “Main Gabbar” (released in May 2015).
4. Aruna Irani
How can one forget the sizzling number “Chadhti Jawani” from the movie Carvan! The song turned Aruna Irani into one of the hottest item girls of those days. Aruna entered into the industry as a child artist and even played lead role opposite Amitabh Bachchan in the movie Bombay to Goa. But it was her oomph-filled dance performances that got her unprecedented recognition. Her other popular songs include “Meri Beri Ke Ber Mat Todo”, “Dilbar Dil Se Pyare”, “Ab Jo Mile Hain”, “Ae Phassa”.
3. Bindu
Item girls exist to defy taboos and Bindu is an excellent example. She was the first married actress to do dance sequences in movies. Dwindling financial conditions made Bindu join film industry at an early age of 13. She continued her film career after marriage with constant support of her husband. The most renowned songs of her career include “Dil Jalon Ka Dil Jala Ke”, “Mera Naam Shabnam”, and “Main Hoon Hasseen”.
2. Helen
The undisputed dancing queen of Indian cinema, Helen is a revered name in the industry. Not just the audiences of her time but the teenagers of today are also well aware of her charismatic dance style. Helen’s significant break in Bollywood happened with her performance in the song “Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu”. After that there was no looking back. Her foreigner looks, impeccable dance skills and remarkable beauty got her one project after another, making her the most popular item number dancer of her time. Her numerous roles as a cabaret dancer brought her the nickname Cabaret Queen.
1. Malaika Arora Khan
See also; Bollywood’s Top 10 most iconic actresses.
Oozing with sex appeal, Malaika Arora Khan is suave and exotic. Her wheatish complexion, perfectly toned body, seductive expressions and groovy dance moves are an excellent combination to get the heads turning. The “Chaiya Chaiya” girl happens to be one of the highest paid item dance girls in the industry. If asked, she coolly talks about her preference of doing dance numbers over acting in the movie. 41 years old and still going strong in the industry, Malaika has to her kitty some of the most sizzling songs of Bollywood, namely “Maahi Ve”, “Kaal”, “Munni Badnaam Hui”, “Anarkali Disco Chaali”, “Fashion Khatam Mujhpe”.