Misplaced item number creates confusion
- IndiaGlitz, [Monday,February 14 2005]
It is shown in some theatres, absent in others. A sizzling item number in "Sheesha" featuring Neha Dhupia has been tucked right at the end of the film because the makers couldn't find a place for it during the narration.
"Actually my director Ashu Trikha and I had very different views on the narrative. We shot the song but couldn't put it anywhere in the film. So we decided to put it at the end, as a gift to audiences," explained producer Guddy Dhanoa.
The wild-and-sweaty song number is, however, available only to audiences in non-multiplex theatres outside Mumbai and Delhi.
Apparently, it was removed from many of the prints by the film's incensed leading lady herself.
"The item song was a mistake. When I dubbed for the film it wasn't part of the final cut. There was a dispute about where the item song should go. So we decided not to use it at all," Dhupia said.
"We decided we'd use it as part of the promo on television. Someone from the production department insisted the item song should be there.
"I suggested we have it with the opening titles. But I saw it didn't belong in the narrative. At the premiere I was in shock when I saw the song and dance. It was totally uncalled for," she said, claiming to have called up the producer and distributors herself, to have it removed.
The song has been removed from some prints and, as for others, Neha shrugs: "What's done is done. I can't be fighting over a song. The film's producers are under so much pressure. I don't want to create a fuss.
"But it's weird because in the climax one of my two characters is dead. So who is dancing?"
Neha is currently doing another film "Siskiyan" for the same producer.
"It's a beautiful story about three characters directed by Ashwini Chowdhary who made the sensitive 'Dhoop'. No item songs this time."