There’s a lot that people have had to say when it comes to item songs, and most, of course, has been negative. However, when it comes to dance and performance, it only is a deeply-rooted tradition of Subcontinental cinema, and those who have any knowledge of Pakistani narratives would wholeheartedly agree.
Be it those momentous songs, pre-dating the word ‘item number’ itself such as Sonay Di Tavitri by the iconic Madam Noor Jehan or Runa Laila, Naseebo Lal and Naheed Akhter crooning to some racy lyrics, emotive songs have played a huge role in expression through the annals of Pakistani cinema.
Now, looking at ten such contemporary songs that have continued on with the tradition, Diva explores the sensual world of ‘item songs’ today…
Bus Teri He Kami Hai – Main Hoon Shahid Afridi
A little known number from the 2013 film Main Hoon Shahid Afridi, this song featuring Mahnoor Baloch and Mathira was all the rage during an era that was just beginning to define the revival of Pakistani cinema.
Billi – Na Maloom Afraad
A song which many remember to this date for its catchy tune and equally palpating lyrics, Billi in Na Maloom Afraad could definitely be considered one of the first songs in the new wave of cinema to make head turns!
Tutti Frutti – Karachi Se Lahore
Love to hate it or hate to love it, Tutti Frutti is one song that you just can’t get out of your head. Ayesha Omar sizzled through it all and for anyone who watched Karachi Se Lahore this served as the best moment in the film!
Kalabaaz Dil – Lahore Se Aagey
If you thought Tutti Frutti was Wajahat Rauf’s best addition to Pakistani item songs, he went a step further by adding Kalabaaz Dil in Lahore Se Aagey. Featuring Saba Qamar, the racy song proved that the actress has a knack for dance and performance!
Vitamin – Ishq Positive
In what was considered Noor Bukhari’s comeback film, Ishq Positive failed to garner any success. However, the song from her film featuring Sana Fakhar did do wonders. It was interesting seeing an actress from the Lollywood era back on the cinema screens and for those few who did end up going to the cinemas for the film, enjoyed the song thoroughly.
Kaif O Suroor – Na Maloom Afraad 2
A sequel to the crazy popular Na Maloom Afraad, Nabeel Qureshi added another song to remember in the second film with Kaif O Suroor featuring supermodel Sadaf Kanwal! From its belly dancing moments to the sizzling looks Sadaf served, it all looked great
Saudai Saiyan – 7 Din Mohabbat In
Although Mahira Khan and Sheheryar Munawar’s 7 Din Mohabbat In failed to win over fans, the film’s item number Saudai Saiyan definitely remained a memorable moment from the film.
Chirrya – Chhalawa
Mehwish Hayat managed to once again make it into the list of sizzling item numbers last year with not just one but two songs. Whilst one saw her in a different avatar, Chirrya had Mehwish grooving to desi beats.
Gangster Guriya – Baaji
The second item number that Mehwish Hayat said yes to last year, Gangster Guriya from Baaji had everyone grooving to the beat the song brought forward! Plus, we just couldn’t get over Meera and Mehwish in the song!
Khabon Main – Kaaf Kangana
A song that did more successfully than the film, Khabon Main featuring Neelum Munir for Kaaf Kangana made all the waves thanks to its lyrics and its thumping beats.
Which song is your favourite? Tell us in the comment section below.