Item songs in Bollywood often get a reputation for being regressive, shady and unnecessary… which, well, is all mostly true. But have you ever stopped to think that there may be some important life lessons hidden amongst all the song and dance? Check out ten life lessons you can learn from the lyrics of some of Bollywood’s biggest item numbers – and let us know if you can think of any more!
1. A healthy self-esteem is important
Yeh duniya, yeh duniya pittal di… o Baby Doll main sone di.
Translation: This world is made of brass; I am a golden Baby Doll.
Song/Movie: Baby Doll – Ragini MMS2
2. You don’t need anyone in your life to ‘complete’ you
Kisi aur ki mujhko zaroorat kya.. main toh khud se pyaar jagao.
Translation: Why do I need anyone else? I can make love to myself.
Song/Movie: Sheila Ki Jawaani – Tees Maar Khan
3. Love can do wonders…
Chaahe agar yeh dil, toh kya roshan jahaan karde.
Translation: If this heart wishes, it could light up the whole world.
Song/Movie: It’s Rocking – Kya Love Story Hai
4. … and he who practices it can have everything
Jinke sar ho ishq ki chhanh, paon ke niche jannat hogi.
Translation: He, whose head is in the shadow of love, will have heaven beneath his feet.
Song/Movie: Chaiyya Chaiyya – Dil Se
5. Stop to smell the roses sometimes
Beete sarak sarak ke, dekho ye lazy lamhe
Translation: Look at these lazy moments, passing you by.
Song/Movie: Lazy Lamhe – Thoda Pyaar Thoda Magic
6. Be careful when picking a life partner
Ho bade sab kehte hainge, chuno achche humsaaye, samjh ke jo samjhaye.
Translation: Every elderly person says, you should always choose a right partner – an understanding person who can make you understand things.
Song/Movie: Marjaani – Billu
7. Break out of your comfort zone every once in a while
Oye hoye chod chaad ke apne Saleem ki gali, Anarkali disco chali.
Translation: Leaving behind the lane of her beloved Saleem, Anarkali went to the disco.
Song/Movie: Anarkali Disco Chali – Housefull 2
8. In love, sometimes the small gestures matter the most
Pataale saiyan miss-call se.
Translation: Woo me with a missed call.
Song/Movie: Fevicol Se – Dabangg 2
9. Life is short; so live it to the fullest
Jeevan ke pal hain char, yaad rakh
Marna hai ek baar. Marne se pahle jeena seekh le
Translation: There are four moments in life, remember. You’ll die once, so learn to live before dying.
Song/Movie: Dekh Le – Munna Bhai MBBS
10. Be confident in your abilities
TV pe breaking news, hai re mere Ghagra
Baghdad se leke Delhi via Agra
Translation: My Ghagra is breaking news on TV – all the way from Baghdad to Delhi, via Agra.
Song/Movie: Ghagra – Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani