Renowned actress Shabana Azmi expressed her views on the portrayal of women in item numbers during the We the Women event held in Mumbai. She articulated her concerns regarding how such musical segments often depict women as mere elements of sensuality, contributing to a broader culture of objectification.

During her address, Azmi highlighted the fragmented representation of women in cinema, stating, “Cinema is defined by the image. When you have disjointed images, like for example, a heaving bosom or a shaking navel, and the way the camera navigates around the body indicates the director’s intent.” She underscored that in an item number, a woman effectively forfeits her autonomy, yielding to the male gaze.

Offensive Objectification

Further delving into her discomfort with item numbers, Azmi remarked on their disconnection from the narrative of the films they inhabit. She expressed her unease, noting, “She is objectifying herself. Some of the lyrics she sings are extremely uncomfortable, and I find them objectionable. Many women argue that if men can participate in such behavior, why can’t they? However, if men are open to objectification, why should women accept it?”

Azmi elaborated on her concern regarding the implications of item numbers, particularly their impact on societal norms. “What troubles me most is society’s reaction to these representations. You go to events where young children are singing songs like ‘Choli ke Peeche Kya Hai,’ and everyone finds it amusing. The disturbing aspect is that people often overlook the lyrics and go along with it,” she noted.

Over the years, Shabana Azmi has been recognized as a vocal advocate for women’s rights and the rights of marginalized communities. As one of the most acclaimed figures in Indian cinema, she has made her mark as the only actress to receive the National Film Award for Best Actress five times, with her acclaimed performances in films like ‘Ankur,’ ‘Arth,’ ‘Khandhar,’ ‘Paar,’ and ‘Godmother.’

On a professional front, Azmi’s most recent appearance was in the Netflix series ‘Dabba Cartel,’ continuing her legacy of challenging societal norms through her roles and public statements.

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