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Vote: The Sexiest Item Numbers Ever
Item numbers have embellished Bollywood entertainers even before they acquired this title.
Right from Helen, the Queen of scorching hot dance moves in Piya Tu (Caravan), Aa Jaane Jaan (Inteqam), Yeh Mera Dil (Don) and Mehbooba (Sholay) to Bindu's tantalising self-introduction Mera Naam Hai Shabnam (Kati Patang), Aruna Irani's flat-belly jig Dilbar Dilse Pyaare (Caravan) and Padma Khan's bold strip tease Husn Ke Lakhon Rang (Johnny Mera Naam), showstopper songs have enjoyed an enduring appeal.
Eventually, the Hindi film heroine got tired of her demure values and stepped on the vamp's toes, insisting on doing all the sexy stuff too.
One of the forerunners were Madhuri Dixit, dishing out blazing treats like Dhak Dhak (Beta), Choli Ke Peeche (Khalnayak) and Channe Ke Khet Mein(Anjaam) with amazing regularity.
Along the way, item number wasn't a loosely defined concept more. It was a win-win formula to attract attention towards both -- the movie and featured artist.
Got any favourites? Here's your chance to vote for your favourite item numbers of Bollywood. Just click through the slide show and vote at the end of it.
Sheila Ki Jawani, Tees Maar Khan
When filmmaker Farah Khan collaborates with choreographer Farah Khan, the results are nothing short of brilliant.
The prolific lady goes all out to wow us with a new, improved Katrina Kaif exuding aggressive sensuality in the much-publicised ditty, Sheila Ki Jawani. Impressed?
Munni Badnam Hui, Dabangg
Just when the item girl scene appeared to look unexciting and monotonous, Malaika Arora decided to change it up.
And how! Her hotness whips a sexy storm alongside brother-in-law Salman Khan to ooze playful sexuality and rustic pizzazz in the incorrigibly suggestive, Munni Badnaam Hui.
What say, Sheila?
Kajra Re, Bunty Aur Babli
And this time a super seductive Aishwarya brings the house down with the two most important Bachchans of her life -- hubby Abhishek and pa-in-law Amitabh Bachchan.
Only they weren't remotely related like that when the troika engaged in flirtatious banter over Ash's Kaare Kaare Naina in Shaad Ali's whimsical con caper, Bunty Aur Babli.
Shaher Ki Ladki, Rakshak
Raveena Tandon's chic style and stylish steps in Rakshak's Shaher Ki Ladki is unofficially credited for kick-starting the trend of item songs.
Not only did this guest appearance bolster her slumping career to new heights, but also prompted the film's actual heroine Karisma Kapoor to insist on a similar looking song even if it meant going completely against her character.
Chamma Chamma, China Gate
Catchy item songs can be quite a relief at times.
Like how Urmila Matondkar's exotic accessories and delicate dance moves proved to be quite a welcome sight in an otherwise drab movie.
In fact, the foot-tapping notes of Chamma couldn't escape Australian filmmaker Baz Luhrmann's attention either.
A remixed version of the same, titled Hindi Sad Diamonds got picturised on an equally resplendent Nicole Kidman in Moulin Rouge.
Chaiyya Chaiyya, Dil Se..
It may look effortless but Shah Rukh Khan and Malaika Arora's rollicking romp atop a train in Mani Ratnam's Dil Se.. was both dangerous and difficult.
While it marked Malaika's sensational entry in Bollywood, Chaiyya Chaiyya proved to be that early indispensable chartbuster for SRK's stage performances.
Main Aayi Hoon UP, Bihar Lootne, Shool
With her fabulous figure and tactile grace, it's no surprise audiences went ga-ga over Shilpa Shetty playing the ultimate tease against the rustic beats of Main Aayi Hoon UP, Bihar Lootne.
Although E Niwas's cop drama maintains a grave tone throughout, Ms Shetty's energetic interlude was much appreciated.
Babuji Dheere Chalo, Dum
Czech beauty Yana Gupta and her vivacious jig in the super infectious Babuji Dheere Chalo continues to be the only memorable aspect of the mostly forgotten Vivek Oberoi-starrer Dum.
Yana's success at the same encouraged her to follow up with another dishy item song, Oh What A Babe in Rakht.
Ishq Kamina, Shakti: The Power
What's not to enjoy about watching two of Bollywood's biggest superstars Shah Rukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai break into full-on filmi jhatkas to match the audacious, raunchy attitude of Ishq Kamina?
The duo's explosive chemistry provided much-needed respite in this excessively gory Karisma Kapoor vehicle.
It's Rocking, Kya Love Story Hai
After receiving flak over her chubby appearance in Don's Yeh Mera Dil, Kareena Kapoor surprised everyone with her sparkling new svelte avatar in buddy Lovely Singh's Kya Love Story Hai.
Kareena's item girl act coupled with the peppy beats of It's Rocking became a huge rage while the film itself was a non-starter.
Maiyya Maiyya, Guru
She's done several item songs, but none match the saucy piquancy and exotic glamour of the A R Rahman-helmed Maiyya Maiyya.
Breathing life into every male fantasy, Mallika Sherawat is a portrait of persuasion as she flaunts that legendary figure and oomph.
Khallas, Company
She may have been around for more than a decade, but Esha Koppikar continues to be known as the Khallas girl.
Her in-your-face dynamism and smouldering presence is undeniable as she goes strength to strength with Asha Bhosle's potent attitude in this highly-popular track from Ram Gopal Varma's ambitious underworld saga.
Vote: The Sexiest Item Numbers Ever
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