Adult tag inapt for item songs?

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The latest additions to the endangered species list may well be Bollywood’s Chikni Chamelis and Jawaan Sheilas, in the face of a new rule that the Censor Board is mulling: That of rating all films with item numbers as “adult.” In the days since the horrific Delhi gangrape incident, there has been much debate over whether item numbers in Bollywood films are responsible for objectifying women — and the move by the Censor Board seems to be in direct response to that.

However, the decision doesn’t seem to have gone down well with the industry where item numbers are coveted assignments that top actresses vie for, and fuel interest in a film before it hits the marquees.
Trade analyst Taran Adarsh is one of those who are surprised that such a decision is even being considered. He says, “Why can’t people change with changing times? Item songs have become a part of the film’s business and something like this would adversely affect their business. Besides, giving it an ‘A’ certificate doesn’t mean that people will not find ways to see it in the era of the Internet.”
Industrywallahs say that how the item song is filmed should be considered before rating it adult. “As long as the song is not demeaning, it is alright,” says filmmaker Sajid Khan. He says that cinema is a soft target to blame social ills on. “If cinema had such a great influence on society, why didn’t we see any change after Rang De Basanti or Lage Raho Munnabhai?” he asks, and adds, “Cinema doesn’t influence a person’s life — it’s just entertainment.”
Popular item girl Rakhi Sawant believes that the popularity of item numbers will continue unabated. “It is our job to entertain the audience and we will do it. Such rules do not matter to us,” says Rakhi.