Hamza Ali Abbasi just won't stop calling out item numbers in Pakistani films

Actor urges film-makers to not be influenced by the West


Entertainment Desk June 18, 2019
PHOTO: BOL TV

Hamza Ali Abbasi is nowhere near giving up on speaking against item numbers in Pakistani films.

While the Waar actor has given his stance on 'vulgar' film songs on multiple occasions in the past, he recently conveyed his thoughts in a talent show on a local channel.

A 16-year-old girl, Sany Yousuf, auditioned for Pakistan Star with a dance performance on Mehwish Hayat's item number Billi from Na Maloom Afraad. 

Hope Karan Johar's views will explain why using women's sex appeal to sell films isn't okay: Hamza Ali Abbasi

The judges panel, comprising Abbasi, Kubra Khan and veteran actor Javed Sheikh, shared their two cents on Yousuf's performance.

While Sheikh lauded the young contestant's efforts and gave her a thumbs up, Khan appreciated the 16-year-old for being confident enough to perform on such a platform.

"Thora khul ke dance karain," the Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 star advised Yousuf. "As the song is very flamboyant and vibrant."

Abbasi, however, disagreed.

"Before I give my verdict, I want give a little lecture," the Jawani Phir Nahi Ani actor started. "You can disagree with me, it's just my own opinion. I'm begging all our producers and directors to not add item numbers in Pakistani films. You're 16 and you're dancing on the same. Keeping your talent aside, I feel very disheartened as someone who works in showbiz and include such songs. I apologise to you."

If you don’t like item numbers, don’t watch them: Sohai Ali Abro

He further added, "The kind of songs we have, the kind of lyrics such item numbers have, I feel embarrassed that a 16-year-old is dancing to it. These kids look up to us and please let's not have any more item songs in our films. These songs are filth. Even India is trying to get rid of it. Our whole society is ruined because of it."

Abbasi also emphasised that the West can do whatever they want but it's better if we don't follow suit, in order for our youth to have something better to look up to.

The Mann Mayal actor then remarked that if he votes yes to the contestant's performance, she won't perform on an item number in future. To this, Sheikh intervened and asked Abbasi if he meant Yousuf won't dance on item numbers or won't dance at all?

Hamza Ali Abbasi clarifies stance on item numbers

The Pyare Afzal actor then shared that he has the problem with the lyrics of the song. "Item number is something which has sexually provocative lyrics," he said. "90% of our songs are really good, it's just the other 10%. There's no need of it anyway in the film. It's completely disconnected but the directors for some reason feel the need to add such songs since it's an ongoing phenomenon."

He then complied with the contestant, giving her consent for the next round but also making sure she won't be dancing on item numbers anymore.

In 2017, Abbasi received flak for his opinion on the same.

“Its heart-breaking and disappointing to see some brilliant Pakistani film-makers still using ITEM NUMBERS to sell their films," he wrote at that time.



He went on to say, “How can the censor board allow such filth to run in cinemas and how can PEMRA allow this to be run on channels Pakistani artists finally managed to get enough respect in the society that now young educated boys and girls from good families are coming into this field, please don’t spoil this hard earned respect by putting on a flesh show and calling it glamour!”

Talking about women empowerment, religion and traditions, Hamza wrote, “Item songs degrade women and objectify them. Which goes against the essence of Women’s Empowerment and Women’s Rights, our religion and our norms.”

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COMMENTS (2)

Khan muhammad | 4 years ago | Reply Hamza is a hypocrite to say the least. Not only has he starred in many movies which featured item numbers but was in many himself. Not to mention is undying support for Shoaib Sheikh his current boss at Bol and a known crook who continues to make billions selling fake degrees via Axact.
Kathy | 4 years ago | Reply Abbasi should know that West does not have item numbers in their movies, it is a regional innovation. Dragging West in everything to make a point is pretty pointless here.
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