Diwali 2025 is around the corner, and so is the festive season. As we get our party arrangements in place with lights, decorations and sweets, the patakhas
need special attention. No, we aren't just talking about the firecrackers, but even the crackling Bollywood item numbers that need to go on the dance floor to get the party started. While item songs have existed ever since Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu, Helen popularised the entire genre bringing in Cabaret into our films. Actress later followed the trend. Sometimes special casting was done for such songs, other times it was the female lead who broke into a dance number too. To help you in sorting things out, here's a list of 10 item songs that are a must-have in your playlist this Diwali season.
Kamariya
The dance track from Stree added to the plot's mystery, and became one of Nora Fatehi's most striking and one of her first item songs, kicking of the trend of hit numbers in Maddock Horror Universe.
Sheila Ki Jawani
Presenting Katrina Kaif is a brand new avatar, this Tees Maar Khan track was exactly what Kat's fans wished for. The sizzling item song still top the playlists as a party anthem.
Baby Doll
Sunny Leone charmed and wooed fans with her "golden" touch. If there's one thing we remember of Ragini MMS 2, is this item song, and Sunny burning the screen.
Munni Badnam Hui
Malaika Arora turned badman for one song that pushed the entire Dabangg franchise. Its lyrics were like a "Zandu balm" infusing energy into our senses, and a hook step that was meant especially for non-dancers.
Chikni Chameli
Katrina repeated her sizzle as an absolute Marathi mulgi in Agneepath. In the distinct voice of Shreya Ghoshal, this item song was bold and addictive. Wonder how Hrithik Roshan kept sitting on a chair and not erupting in a dance routine too.
Kajra Re
Bollywood can never produce a bigger item song. This had the Bachchans bringing their own signature shenanigans, and Aishwarya who looked angelic. Adding to the magic was Alisha Chinoi's husky, extraordinary voice singing to Gulzar's lyrics.
Fevicol Se
Dabangg 2 got Kareena Kapoor in a rare item song that was addictive, energetic, and meant to push everyone on the dance floor.
Kaala Chashma
Baar Baar Dekho was forgettable. But it gave us the unforgettable Kaala Chashma with some heavy twists and a striking music video. Bring on the sunglasses and you are dance-ready!
Beedi
An item song cannot get more raunchy and rustic as this one. Gulzar plays with words, as does Bipasha Basu and Vivek Oberoi's chemistry. This track from Omkara is enigmatic.
Param Sundari
A sweet item number with adorable lyrics, singing, dancing and Kriti Sanon's Mimi in a never-before-seen avatar.
Which track is going to top your playlist this Diwali season? Let us know @TimesNow.
