No item song in salman khan's mental

• Ajanta Paul

Back in 1960s and 70s Helen, Bindu or Aruna Irani would get more space on film posters than the heroine's. And a dance number by Helen was like an by Browse to Save">insurance policy for the film's success.

Cut to present day; the scenario hasn't changed much. Even the hit-man of Bollywood a.k.a Salman Khan needs a "Munni Badnaam" or "Fevicol Se" to add spice in his 'Dabangg'.

Today Hindi films are unimaginable without the double entendre, hip-swiveling chartbusters. And why not, filmmakers have realised the X-factor to lure audiences.

Since 2009 every movie starring Salman Khan had an item number. But his next movie might not replicate the same.

As Salman wrapped up his first schedule of 'Mental' (working title) in Dubai, we get this news right from the horse's mouth that the movie will not have Bollywood's quintessential element - an item number.

Talking exclusively to Emirates 24|7 producer/director and Salman's brother Sohail Khan said, "There will be no item song in this movie, it's a sensible film."

Well, does this mean all Salman Khan movie from 2009 to 2012 were insensible?

In 'Wanted' (2009) Mahek Chahal gyrated to "Le Le Maza Le" and Salman joined her on the dance floor. In the same year good friend Preity Zinta danced to "Happening" in 'Main Aurr Mrs Khanna".

Next year 'Dabangg' broke several box-office records and part of the credit goes to Malaika Arora Khan for making the entire nation dance in the tune of "Munni Badnaam Hui".

Zarine Khan showed a different character altogether in 'Ready' (2011) when she performed on "Character Dheela Hai" along with Salman.

Katrina Kaif was not to be left behind as Salman's item girl as she swirled on 'Aaya re aaya Bodyguard' in 2011.

Salman reveled in 2012 with two more blockbusters. Both the movies had the top heroines of Bollywood dancing with the 'hit-man'. Katrina Kaif was hotness personified in "Mashallah" from 'Ek Tha Tiger'. And the newly married Kareena Kapoor showed why she holds the crown in Bollywood with "Fevicol Se" from 'Dabangg 2'.

So after a series of item numbers and dancing with some of the most beautiful women in the industry, Salman takes a break from item songs.

Or even better, Salman might take the center stage himself minus the fragmented images of heaving ladies, swiveling navels, swinging hips of the ladies around.

After all, in every item number Salman was the common factor performing unabashedly his robotic movements (fans don't mind any sort of movement by Salman).

Certainly, Bollywood is not over with uninhibited skin shows in sleazy item numbers but that's the status quo Sohail Khan maintains as of now.

He might have also taken cognisance of the out-cry against item songs post the brutal gang rape in Delhi.

The gang rape in December 2012 triggered off a national debate in India over the portrayal of women in popular cinema and TV. Direct questions were raised on item numbers for its crass lyrics and voyeuristic camera angles.

Only time will tell if Sohail can resist the temptation of including an item song in his 'sensible film' or a last minute request from the promoters will see a change of heart.