Sena chief Balasaheb says not against item numbers in Hindi movies

MUMBAI: Taking a U-turn from its earlier stance against Valentine’s day celebrations and other such campus events, the Shiv Sena said it has no problems with the so-called Hindi movie ‘item songs’. Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray said item songs such as ‘Sheela ki jawani’ and ‘Munni badnaam hui’ are part of the acceptable popular youth culture and that his party has nothing against such songs.

Thackeray, in an article written in Sena mouthpiece Samana, has defended Shiv Sena’s youth wing which organized a cultural programme at a city hall where professional dancers performed to such songs.

Some political parties like the National Congress Party (NCP) criticised the event for its objectionable content and alleged vulgar dances.

The youth wing of the Sena is now lead by the senior Thackeray’s grandson Aditya who was present at this event along with his father, Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray.

In his article in Samana, Thackeray said, “There is nothing wrong if our (Shiv Sena) youngsters enjoy an entertainment show which is based on Bollywood item songs... they are young and it is part of their culture. The NCP and Congress should not teach us how to follow our tradition because their leaders organize cricket matches where foreign cheer leaders are asked to perform vulgar dances.”