Not the right answer

What is the difference between an item song and a ‘special number’? This was the biggest question that a section of the media got confused with during the launch of actress Parul Yadav’s website in the City recently.

The actress, who had recently shot for a song in Ganesh-starrer Shravani
Subramanya, had invited the media for the launch of her website. But the media were more keen on knowing about the song that she had shot. While the actress was giving out interviews stating that this would be her first and last ‘item song’, the director of the film, who was present at the venue, stated that the song was a ‘special number’. Then started the entire confusion as to what exactly was the difference. The director clearly mentioned, “There is a very little difference between the two in terms of choreography, wordings or even the context the song appears in the film. When it is an ‘item number’, the song comes as a relief and a glamour element is there for the audience. But a ‘special’ number is placed strategically and the story takes a turn from that song onwards, which is what happens in Shravani Subramanya as well.”

Not convinced at all, some of the journalists kept questioning the director, until the choreographer of the song, Murli, took the stage. Murli immediately stated, “If a top actress dances to the song, it’s a special number, otherwise an item number.” The answer left the director red-faced.

Realising this, the choreographer quickly covered up and said, “We do change the moves a bit and work according to the strengths of the actress.” But Parul certainly took the cake, when on the mic, she said, “Whether it is an item or a ‘special’ number, this will be my first and last one.” The media, however, didn’t get the right answer and they saw no point in continuing the discussion.