India, Oct. 29 -- For years, the inclusion of dance numbers in Bollywood films has sparked debate, with some questioning their relevance to the story and accusing them of promoting vulgarity. However, Malaika Arora believes that item songs have come a "long way," evolving to focus less on provocation and more on performance.

Malaika spoke about the changing definition of special dance numbers in Bollywood during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. She admitted that dance numbers have come a 'long way' since she started.

Malaika said, "Earlier, they were mostly about glamour and spectacle, often detached from a woman's individuality. Today, filmmakers are more conscious. they integrate these numbers into stories with stronger chara...