Overview

• In a September 8 interview with SCREEN, the Dabangg director recounted objections from Salman Khan and Arbaaz Khan to Malaika Arora performing the item number.
• Kashyap said Arbaaz worried about his then‑wife being labelled an “item girl” and claimed both brothers preferred more covered outfits for women.
• He said Malaika accepted the offer and persuaded Arbaaz, while he cast her for her dance skills and the audience curiosity around a lesser‑seen performer.
• According to Kashyap, Salman insisted on being in the song, which shifted the original plan and curtailed Sonu Sood’s presence in that sequence.
• Kashyap noted the song went on to become a record‑breaking hit, and the reports did not include on‑the‑record responses from Salman or Arbaaz.