Bollywood’s tried-and-tested ‘item song’ formula is facing serious heat from audiences who are no longer buying the ‘mass entertainment’ excuse. What was once dismissed as harmless fun is now being called out for objectifying women, and the internet is making sure filmmakers hear it loud and clear.
The conversation reignited after visuals of Mouni Roy’s song from Hai Jawani Toh Ishq Hona Hai went viral. But it’s not just Mouni — Nora Fatehi and Janhvi Kapoor have also found themselves at the centre of similar debates recently. Let’s break down what’s got fans so worked up.
Mouni Roy’s ‘Shammo’ Song Sparks Backlash
Mouni Roy’s portrayal of Shammo in the David Dhawan film had already raised eyebrows when the trailer revealed she would play Varun Dhawan’s mother — a casting choice many found odd given their close age gap. Now, her song visuals have triggered a fresh wave of criticism.
Internet users are pointing out the familiar setup: one glamorous woman surrounded by men, suggestive expressions, and choreography that feels straight out of the 90s. A netizen summed up the frustration, saying such songs typically show drunken men dancing around and trying to touch the ‘item’ girl. Another questioned why filmmakers with big budgets still rely on the same outdated comedy and song templates.
For many, the issue isn’t dance or glamour — it’s how women are reduced to props in the name of entertainment. The camera angles, lyrics, and choreography all contribute to a narrative that feels increasingly out of touch with modern sensibilities.
Nora Fatehi’s ‘Sarke Chunar’ Controversy
Nora Fatehi’s song Sarke Chunar Teri Sarke from KD: The Devil faced major backlash earlier, with the National Commission for Women stepping in. The commission stated that creative expression cannot come at the cost of women’s dignity. The controversy led to apologies from those involved, while Nora’s legal representative appeared on her behalf during the hearing.
The backlash against Nora’s song is part of a larger pattern. Audiences are no longer separating the hook step from the message — they’re questioning the lyrics, the male gaze, and the impact such portrayals have on society. Cinema doesn’t exist in a vacuum, and when films repeatedly show women as objects to be stared at or chased, it normalises certain behaviour outside theatres.
Janhvi Kapoor’s ‘Peddi’ Role Under Fire
Janhvi Kapoor’s role in the Ram Charan starrer Peddi became another flashpoint. Viewers accused the film of objectifying her character and giving her little agency beyond being an object of desire. The criticism wasn’t just aimed at the actress but at how the character was written, shot, and presented on screen.
One question keeps popping up in comment sections: why is a woman still being called an ‘item’ in 2026? Why is her body still used as a selling point? Why do commercial films still rely on men staring, chasing, and grabbing one glamorous woman and call it entertainment?
The internet is clearly not watching these songs the same way anymore. Viewers are demanding better — stories where women are treated like human beings, not props. And if Bollywood doesn’t listen, the backlash is only going to get louder. Yaar, yeh sab ab nahi chalega.