1Research Scholar, Banasthali Vidyapith, Newai, Rajasthan, India
2Assistant Professor, Banasthali Vidyapith, Newai, Rajasthan, India
The paper aims to explore the language of women’s objectification through item songs portrayed in Hindi cinema. These item songs are foreseen to objectify the female body by exercising foul language and visual presentation. Item songs in the movie do not seem to have a direct association with the story background but draw a spectator’s attention and earn millions at the box office. It creates an erotic space for the male gaze, where women are observed in inappropriate dress, vulgar scenes, obscene postures, and seductive body language to attract the viewer. The theoretical approach of sign and signifier applied in this article explores body politics and visual pleasure in the movie. Women in item songs are dependent on male characters and produce erotic movement, giving pleasure to male viewers. The transition in the role of women must be acknowledged, but not on the ground of objectifying the female body. Scopophilia and masochism are the keys to studying the objectification of women in item songs. It concludes by highlighting women’s screen space in Hindi cinema in a male-dominated society through some popular iconic item songs. The language of women’s objectification is studied through the female gaze, giving rise to women’s subjectivity in Hindi cinema.
Item songs, Language, Male gaze, Masochism, Objectification
