Item numbers must be situational, says Shabana Azmi

Veteran actress Shabana Azmi, who has portrayed strong roles on silver screen in a number of movies, says she has no problem with the item numbers provided they are situational.

"I have far less problem with women doing item numbers than they falling on the feet of men. Item numbers will continue to happen. Whether it is required in the situation or not is what matters," Shabana Azmi said.

"For instance the Beedi song from the film Omkara (pictured on Bipasha Basu) was fantastic. It had robust energy. It should not be like they (women) are surrendering to males," she said.

Newbie Parineeti Chopra, who was also present at the event, echoed similar sentiments.

"Even the song Jhalla Walla from my film Ishaqzaade was an item number, which had two girls dancing in front of men, was not titilate them. I am not saying item numbers should be stopped... I hope there won't be useless stuff five years down the line," Parineeti said.

Both the actresses feel that the portrayal of women in Hindi cinema has changed over a period of time. "The heroine in Hindi films has travelled much, but needs to travel further. Cinema reflects society, hence we get to see working women roles in films today, which is a good thing," Shabana Azmi said.

"There has been a transition. There are writer, directors and producers, who are ready to write roles for women," Parineeti said.

The actors were the chief guest at the launch of Bhavna Somaya's book titled 'Mother Maiden Mistress'. Director Habib Faisal and playback singer Alka Yagnik were also present.