5. ‘Kaafirana a.k.a I Want Just You’ (Joker)

It’s hard to appreciate anything from the flop film Joker starring Akshay Kumar and Sonakshi Sinha. If there was one highlight of the movie, it was Chitrangadha Singh’s item number ‘Kaafirana’. The song was initially surrounded by controversy when the original version, titled ‘I Want Fakht You’ was leaked online. Thankfully, the lyrics were changed to the more family friendly ‘I Want Just You’ for the film’s official release. Controversy aside, the song itself is super catchy and entertaining, and Chitrangadha does a great job with the choreography.

*Choreographer: Farah Khan

4. ‘Anarkali Disco Chali’ (Housefull 2)

What’s a year of item numbers without the queen Malaika Arora Khan? Anarkali may not have been as sizzling as the legendary Munni, but the song still managed to make quite a splash in early 2012 with its clever lyrics, fun choreography and colorful costumes. Malaika is the heart of this song and, because of her charm, ‘Anarkali Disco Chali’ wins a spot on our list of top item numbers.

*Choreographer: Farah Khan

3. Aa Re Pritam Pyare (Rowdy Rathore)

This bold song from Rowdy Rahore boasts not one, but three seasoned lead dancers: Maryam Zakaria, Shatki Mohan and Mumaith Khan. Aside from the impeccable choreography, the best part of this item number was the chemistry between the three ladies. Their facial expressions and synchronized movements gave the already catchy song some added soul. They reminded audiences of the true intention of an item number—to have fun!

*Choreographer: Prabhu Deva

2. ‘Rum Whisky’ (Vicky Donor)

Compared to previous years, 2012 was a bit sparse when it came to male-centric item numbers. But the one male item song that did release was a huge hit. A hidden gem in the charming Vicky Donor, ‘Rum Whisky’ starred actor/producer John Abraham alongside the film’s star Ayushmann Khurrana on a set clad with motorcycles and background dancers. With a vibe full of masti and a captivating beat you can’t help but want to get up and dance to ‘Rum Whisky’. John and Ayushmann mesh well together on screen, providing us with a boisterous and entertaining hit with a Punjabi flare.

*Choreographer: Bosco-Caesar

1. ‘Chikni Chameli’ (Agneepath)

Releasing in January, ‘Chikni Chameli’ featuring Katrina Kaif started the year off with a huge bang. Almost a full year later, the song is still ingrained in our memories as one of the most popular of 2012 and for good reason.  Katrina clearly stepped out of her comfort zone in this Marathi Mulgi-inspired number. The choreography was extremely fast paced but Katrina managed to master the moves in her own style as she began to redefine her item girl identity with a more Desi-flavored image. ‘Chikni Chameli’ was and continues to be a chartbuster due to the beat, lyrics, picturization and, of course, the song’s leading lady.

*Choreographer: Ganesh Acharya

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Fevicol Se (Dabangg 2)

The jury is still out on this one, but so far ‘Fevicol Se’ has failed to make as big of a splash as its predecessor item song, ‘Munni Badnaam Hui’ from Dabangg. Even so, the number deserves its fair share of credit for lively performances by Kareena Kapoor and Salman Khan and the innovative and quirky lyrics. It remains to be seen whether ‘Fevicol Se’ will become a super hit, but it certainly has the potential to be.

*Choreographer: Farah Khan

Halkat Jawani (Heroine)

In true Heroine fashion, Kareena Kapoor performed this spicy item number set at an awards show in Madhur Bhandarkar’s latest where Kareena shows off her svelte bod in revealing yet colorful Desi-inspired outfits. The catchy song received positive response from viewers and Kareena quickly jumped into the item star hall of fame. The actress worked through slightly disappointing core choreography to carry the song almost solely through her infectious facial expressions and made ‘Halkat Jawani’ one of the most memorable songs of the year.

*Choreographer: Ganesh Acharya

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Bhansali’s new film also marks the end of Kareena’s 13 year long wait to work with Bhansali. “We have wanted to work together for a while and I am immensely excited. We met for the first time around the release of Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999). She was working on her debut Refugee (2000) then, so we’ve been constantly thinking about talking to each other. I’m happy that this has finally worked out now,” Bhansali reveals.

Kareena will be wrapping up work on her next film, Heroine, this summer.

Ranveer, who’s currently working on his forthcoming film Lootera has also been cast after Bhansali was “impressed” by his performance in his debut, Band Baaja Baaraat.

Bhansali also clarified that, despite the rumors, the film is not “Ram Leela” “It’s a full on masala movie and is in the Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam kind of space…With 11 songs and great locales, I feel the chemistry between Ranveer and Kareena is going to rock,” says Bhansali.

The film is set to go on the floors this July.

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Hollywood movie critic Richard Corliss compiled a list of the 10 greatest films made since the year 2000 and lists the Shahrukh Khan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan-starrer at number eight, calling the film a “visually intoxicating musical” that introduced “sang-and-danced Bollywood drama to the international culturati.”

Director Sanjay Leela Bhansali believes the honor is well-timed, almost 10 years after the film’s initial release. “For a mainstream Hindi film like Devdas to gain such a cinematic recognition and be a part of such an illustrious list is an honor, not just for me but for [the] Indian film industry at large,” Bhansali told reporters. The movie, which was the most expensive production of its time, was also widely honored by Indian film academies like Filmfare and IIFA.

TIME Magazine honored Devdas alongside other Hollywood hits such as Avatar (2009), The Lord of the Rings (2001-03), and WALL.E (2008), which took the number one spot.

This isn’t the first time Devdas has been recognized at an international scale. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts nominated Devdas for Best Foreign Language film in 2003 and the film was also screened at Cannes.

According to Bhansali, Devdas will soon be re-released in 3D to commemorate its tenth anniversary.

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Though Oberoi refused the role of Dawood in Sanjay Gupta’s Shootout at Wadala, the actor agreed to play the lead in Taurani’s film, which is an untitled love story.

“Vivek did not want to disappoint his producers by taking up a small role in Shootout at Wadala. He is already playing the lead in Kismat Luv Paisa Dilli and the main villain in Krrish 3,” a source divulged. Thus Oberoi’s reasoning for agreeing to Taurani’s film.

“The associate director of Prince, Vinnil Markan will direct this. Neha Sharma is the female lead opposite Vivek,” Taurani confirmed. Sharma was last seen alongside Emraan Hashmi in 2010’s Crook.

Taurani’s film went on the floors on March 24.

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Continuing its winning streak this awards season, the critically acclaimed Ranbir Kapoor starrer received a total of four awards, including Best Actor for Kapoor and Best Director for Imtiaz Ali. The film also bagged some top honors earlier this year at the Filmfare Awards, Zee Cine Awards, and Color Screen Awards.

While Rockstar received the biggest number of awards, the coveted Best Film title went to Farhan Akhtar and Ritesh Sidhwani’s Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, which was another critical and box office success in 2011. Vidya Balan was honored in the Best Actress category for The Dirty Picture.

Winners in the debut categories included Parineeti Chopra for Ladies v/s Ricky Bahl, Vidyut Jamwal for Force, and Abhinay Deo for his directorial skills in Delhi Belly.

Film legend Amitabh Bachchan was also given an award for maximum impact made by a personality.

”With the FICCI Frames Excellence Awards we hope to honor the best across the different media platforms. We hope the awards inspire all to excel,” Karan Johar, co-chairman of the FICCI Entertainment Committee said in a statement.

The awards ceremony, hosted by Mandira Bedi, is expected to air on UTV where viewers can enjoy performances by Usha Uthup and rock sensation Papon.

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Fashion starred Priyanka Chopra and Kangana Ranaut who both bagged numerous awards for their performances, including National Film Awards and Filmfare Awards. Bhandarkar is currently working on his much awaited film Heroine starring Kareena Kapoor, but the buzz is that Fashion 2 may very well be his next project.

Though nothing has been confirmed, Chopra is open to the prospect. “I am not really aware of such a sequel. Fashion is a film that is closest to my heart and if Madhur plans a part two, why not? I would love to be part of such a sequel,” the star says. One of Chopra’s most recent films, Don 2, was a successful sequel. She is also currently filming for Krrish 3 which is slated for release in 2013.

However, despite Chopra’s interest in the project, rumors have also been afloat that Bhandarkar has allegedly been in talks with veteran actress Madhuri Dixit, who recently unveiled her wax figure at Madame Tussauds in London, regarding a potential Fashion 2.

Whatever the fate of Fashion 2 may be, and whoever the leading lady may be, BollySpice will be sure to keep you updated with the latest buzz.

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5. Zarine Khan – “Character Dheela” (Ready)

Our favorite Katrina clone, Zarine Khan, proved herself to be an apt item girl with the smash hit “Character Dheela.” Even with Salman Khan’s presence in the song, Zarine does not allow herself to be overpowered and remains sultry, yet cute, throughout the number. Our favorite part of the song? The countless costumes from various time periods—and how gorgeous Zarine looked in them!

4. Aamir Khan – “I Hate You (Like I Love You)” (Delhi Belly)

In 2007, Shahrukh Khan showed us that item songs are not only for the ladies, with “Dard-e-Disco.” Four years later, that statement rings true as item boys are becoming just as popular as item girls. Aamir Khan’s appearance in “I Hate You (Like I Love You)” from the bold film Delhi Belly earns him the fourth spot in our countdown. It’s a bit of an odd song, but we see that the peculiarity of it is the best part. Aamir appears in a laughable disco dancer costume and parades around the screen in the goofiest manner. Even though he shows us that great item songs don’t always have to be super sexy, we just loved seeing him “shake that biscuit, baby!”

3. Ranbir Kapoor – “Tai Tai Phiss” (Chillar Party)

Clearly, we weren’t kidding when we said that item boys are becoming just as prominent as item girls. Ranbir Kapoor’s item song in Chillar Party was definitely one for the books. The song itself is catchy, upbeat, and danceable—key ingredients for a successful item song. However, Ranbir is the ultimate highlight of the song. Not only is he a skilled dancer in this song, but his facial expressions are to die for. He wasn’t afraid to look almost idiotic and it worked perfectly. The wacky dance moves combined with Ranbir’s hilarious expressions made us all want to hit that replay button as “Tai Tai Phiss” was one of the most enjoyable songs of the year. The children of Chillar Party may not have been so impressed, but we sure were.

2. Deepika Padukone – “Mit Jaaye Gham” (Dum Maaro Dum)

The lyrics of this rather bold song may have caused some controversy, but there’s no denying that Deepika shined in “Mit Jaaye Gham.” Deepika lets out her bad girl persona and it works brilliantly. While some may argue that this song does not do justice to its original, Deepika executes the revamped style effortlessly. She looks gorgeous and toned, and the choreography suits her well. Her wicked facial expressions are also something we’ve never seen from Deepika in the past. As our runner up for item star of the year, we hope to see more of Deepika in the item song realm in the coming years.

1. Mallika Sherawat – “Razia” (Thank You) and “Jalebi Bai” (Double Dhamaal)

Even through the failed “Shalu Ke Thumkey” from Bin Bulaaye Baraati, Mallika Sherawat is our pick as item star of 2011. With a total of three item numbers in only one year, Mallika shows us exactly why she’s Bollywood’s reigning item queen. “Razia” from Thank You is a cute, catchy song. Mallika looks gorgeous as usual and meshes well with Akshay Kumar as the pair deliver a hit song. The strongest of Mallika’s item songs was definitely “Jalebi Bai” from Double Dhamaal. With stellar choreography, sexy costumes, and fun lyrics, “Jalebi Bai” became one of the biggest songs of the year with Mallika’s help—and dancing skills. In a more westernized “Razia” and a more Desi-flavored “Jalebi Bai” Mallika Sherawat is a woman of all trades when it comes to item songs. And she deservingly wins our top spot for item star of the year.

Honorable Mentions

Looking back at 2011, there were more item songs than we initially realized, so narrowing down our list to only five was a difficult task. Here are a few more stars that deserve an honorable mention for their item song efforts.

Shahrukh Khan – “Antenna” (Always Kabhi Kabhi)

Yes, the song is pretty ridiculous. But it was also pretty much the only reason we wanted to see Always Kabhi Kabhi. And even that was because of one man – Shahrukh Khan. Shahrukh pushes through the corny lyrics of this song and delivers a great performance. The fact that he looks amazing (as usual) also helps his case.

Vidya Balan – “Ooh La La” (The Dirty Picture)

It’s a bit debatable whether this would be considered a “true” item number, but Vidya’s performance in the song is so enjoyable that it deserves at least a mention. Vidya proves that you don’t have to be a size zero to be truly appealing in this fun and colorful song.

Akshay Kumar – “Shera Di Kaum” (Breakaway/Speedy Singhs)

Akshay Kumar’s item song in his home production was much talked about this year. A collaboration between both RDB and Ludacris, the song itself was a hit with audiences and the video wasn’t any less stellar. Akshay’s appearance in the song is simply powerful and had us begging for more.

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Simply put, the various Munnis and Sheilas of B-town make between Rs 50 lakh and Rs 1 crore per item song. The stars then continue to make money by performing those hit songs in award shows and concerts. So needless to say, actresses (and even actors) often seek out item numbers. “Actresses do request film-makers for a hit song so that their shows and events for the year are sorted out,” one industry veteran tells The Times of India.

According to Bunty Walia of GS Entertainment, actresses tend to make about Rs 6 crore to Rs 7 crore from performances alone. “Sponsors make it a point to get the actress with the biggest song of the year as the star performer…an item number or a hit song is a gold mine for any actress today,” explains Ganesh Hegde.

In many cases, actresses make more money from doing a single item song than from an entire film. “Katrina [Kaif] has made more money from performing “Sheila Ki Jawani” on stage than she made from the film [Tees Maar Khan]. Yana Gupta made a fortune from the Murder song,” says producer Mukesh Bhatt.

One can clearly see the appeal an item song has for top celebrities. As 2012 rolls around, we can only imagine the big bucks Katrina will make for “Chikni Chameli” from the upcoming Agneepath. To sum it up in Bhatt’s words, “…it’s big money.”

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With movies available either for free or for a small fee, YouTube’s selection of Bollywood films is a delightful mix of the old and new, as well as the obscure and famous.   In fact, if you weren’t able to catch the October 14^th release, Mujhse Fraaandship Karoge, you can rent it on YouTube for a mere $3.99 USD.  Catch another recent release, Bheja Fry 2, for only $1.99 USD. Slightly older hits such as Band Baaja Baraat, Dil Bole Hadippa!, Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, or Dostana are also available for a nominal fee.

On the other hand, if you’re in the mood for some classic Hindi films, YouTube has much to offer there as well. Check out the now 16 year old Dilwale Dulhania Le Jaayenge or Amitabh Bachchan’s 1981 hit Silsila each for $3.99 USD. Older classics such as 1965’s Guide or 1971’s Caravan can be rented for only $0.99 USD.

While renting movies for a small price is extremely convenient, the most attractive aspect of YouTube’s movie streaming sector is its collection of free movies. Well-known flicks like Action Replayy and Dhamaal are available to stream for free. Or you can always stroll down the lanes of Bollystalgia and watch classics like Pardes or Hum Aapke Hai Koun…! free of charge.

An offering of free movies gives the viewer the freedom to experiment, with nothing to lose. Why not check out some more obscure flicks like Gul Panag’s Turning 30!!! or the sports film, Cycle Kick? With an ample selection of free movies, viewers have the chance to expand their Bollywood repertoire and pay attention to some smaller, more experimental films.

YouTube’s selection of Indian Cinema doesn’t stop at Hindi language films. Also offered are an array of movies in Tamil, Telegu, Bengali, Gujarati, Punjabi, Malyalam, Marathi, and Kannada. Check out the Indian Cinema section of YouTube Movies to experience everything the site has to offer. New movies are introduced often, so you’ll never be left unentertained!

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In an interview with TWF, Johar was hesitant to label Agneepath an adaptation. “Time and time again I have said this is not an adaptation, this is a tribute to him [Amitabh Bachchan], to Mukul Anand, and Yash Johar… We have made this Agneepath with a great amount of respect and reverence to them…,” said Johar.

The updated Agneepath does maintain some resemblance to its namesake. According to Johar, the basic plot is the same in terms of the fact that it revolves around revenge. But he also mentions that there are some notable differences from the original. “That’s why I am saying it is a tribute to the original film. I don’t want to use the word ‘remake’ as this word gets misused often,” he clarified.

Johar, who has a number of super hit films in his directing repertoire, interestingly did not direct this particular film, citing his reasoning as his incapability to direct action films. “As you have seen there is only one moment of action in my entire career when Amitji slaps Hrithik in Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. That was about the only violence I ever had in my cinema,” Johar joked. After hearing Karan Malhotra’s vision for the new Agneepath, Johar opted to produce the venture.

Whether Agneepath is considered a remake, adaptation, or a tribute audiences are surely in for a treat. With last month’s initial trailer for the film breaking numerous records, it’s safe to say the film itself will enjoy a similar fate. Agneepath is slated for release in January 26th, 2012.

Have a look at this gorgeous still from the film Sizzling na?

Here’s a few more!

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