The Real Cost of 'Item Numbers'

Indian cinema, often hailed as one of the largest and most influential film industries in the world, has an impact on shaping societal perceptions and attitudes. Cinema in India is not just entertainment but a reflection of cultural values, ideas, and even aspirations. However, alongside the artistic expression, Indian cinema has also perpetuated certain stereotypes and practices that have harmful effects on society, one of the most glaring examples being the continued use of 'item numbers'.

While Indian cinema has given the world beautiful storytelling, it has also unfortunately normalized the objectification of women through these item songs. These high-energy dance sequences, often inserted without relevance to the plot, focus solely on showcasing women in hyper-sexualized ways. This practice highlights the patriarchal mindset that reduces women to mere objects of visual pleasure.

The term 'item number' itself is problematic. It dehumanizes the female performer by referring to her as an 'item', a term that inherently reduces her to something to be consumed. The troubling part is that such depictions have been normalized in Indian cinema. Audiences largely accept these sequences without questioning their purpose or impact, seeing them as a standard part of the entertainment experience. However, behind the glamour lies the reality of objectification, women are portrayed not as individuals with depth but as ornaments designed to satisfy the male gaze.

This issue is exacerbated by the fact that no male actor is ever referred to as an 'item' or objectified in the same way. The gender imbalance is evident, and it reflects a patriarchal notion that women's primary value lies in their appearance and ability to entertain men. This practice reduces women to props, sidelining their potential as characters with substance or meaningful roles in the narrative.

It is not merely a question of removing these sequences from films, but addressing the mindset that allows such objectification to thrive. It is time to challenge this practice, not just as a cinematic issue but as a reflection of how women are viewed in society. Audiences must demand better representation of women, where they are seen as individuals with their own stories, rather than as mere props. Filmmakers must also recognize the role they play in these harmful stereotypes.

The normalization of item numbers isn’t just a flaw in cinema, it’s a reflection of how we as a society, have accepted the objectification of women. By staying silent, we allow this to continue, stripping women of their dignity for the sake of entertainment. Is this really the legacy we want to leave behind? If cinema can inspire and transform, why are we letting it reduce women to mere objects? The choice is ours, do we challenge these harmful portrayals, or do we remain silent, allowing this disrespect to persist?