Anushka Sharma sets out to change the definition of 'item number'

Is Anushka out to challenge B-town standards for item songs?

A two-minute long video of the latest song from Anushka Sharma's upcoming film Dil Dhadakne Do gives us a sneak peek of what the actress calls an 'item number' and it is nothing what we expected.

In Bollywood, item numbers have traditionally been added to introduce an element of "visual interest" to a film. They are usually set in a club or bar and are typically characterized by scantily clad women, provocative lyrics and suggestive dances. Think Munni Badnaam Hui and Fevicol.

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We were therefore expecting something similar when Anushka Sharma tweeted about doing an item number for upcoming film Dil Dhadakne Do earlier today.

Watch this space for my first 'item' song from my film #DilDhadakneDo ... #GirlsLikeToSwing very very shortly ..👯😘 pic.twitter.com/G8QccF6J3L

— Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) May 20, 2015

Imagine our surprise when the actress shared a sneak preview of the song on her Twitter account.

What do girls like to do .. Well ! ... Here goes ... http://t.co/hsBVry3XHE 😘😘 #GirlsLikeToSwing

— Anushka Sharma (@AnushkaSharma) May 20, 2015

While the setting does match what one might expect from an item number, the song does not check all the right  boxes to qualify as one. It is definitely peppy, but the lack of skin show and seductive latkas, jhatkas and thumkas makes us wonder if Anushka Sharma feels that the industry's definition of 'item number' needs to be changed.

Watch the video and see for yourself:



Earlier this month, Anushka and Dil Dhadakne Do co-star Ranveer Singh had announced the release of the song Pehli Pehli Baar on their respective Twitter accounts, which the two had choreographed themselves. With catchy beats and fun lyrics, the video features Ranveer and Anushka having fun as they practice their dance steps. While Anushka seems a but apprehensive in the beginning, Ranveer dives head-on and shows off some incredible energy with his dance moves.

Watch the song here: