As intrinsic to Hindi films as a hero and heroine.

But the instant pick-me-ups -- these days -- for Hindi films are item numbers.

The formula to making one is simple. A foot-tapping number. A special appearance by a sexy actress. An exotic set, some 40 dancers in good costumes. Voila, you have a heady cocktail.

What this serves is draw the audience to the film, set the cash registers ringing, boost flagging careers (of the item artistes) and set the music soaring on charts. Ask Raveena Tandon, Shilpa Shetty, Sushmita Sen -- they'll affirm this all too gladly.

We present a few such item specialists.

Text: Nidhi Taparia

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