The Salman Khan film Dabangg is remembered not only for its high-octane action but also for the iconic item number Munni Badnaam Hui, featuring Malaika Arora, who was then married to Arbaaz Khan. The song quickly became a chart-topping hit and a landmark moment in Bollywood. As the movie nears its 15th anniversary, director Abhinav Kashyap revealed that persuading Arbaaz Khan to approve Malaika’s performance was a significant challenge. Despite their glamorous public image, Salman and Arbaaz, coming from a conservative Muslim family, were initially hesitant about the song and its costume choices.
Munni Badnaam Hui look
Abhinav Kashyap told ‘SCREEN’ that Arbaaz was hesitant to label his wife an ‘item girl,’ reflecting the brothers’ conservative values. Malaika convinced him that the song was purely dance-oriented and appropriate for a family setting. Once he gave his approval, the number was filmed and became one of Bollywood’s most iconic and record-breaking item songs, leaving a lasting impact on audiences.
