Coming to steal our hearts

We speak to the item girl everyone is talking about, Veena Malik, in preparation for the Gali Gali Chor Hai cast’s Dubai visit this Wednesday

Making headlines both in India and abroad, the destructive implications of institutional corruption are never far from the front pages and when the issue makes it to the cinema, dialogue is often intensified among those whom it affects most. With a special showing for famed social activist Anna Hazare, Rumi Jaffrey’s Gali Gali Chor Hai looks to deal with the subject by delivering a serious message dressed in the customary light-hearted Bollywood razzle-dazzle.

The comedy centres on banker Bharat’s (Akshaye Khanna) journey into the murky legal system after purportedly ‘witnessing’ a robbery. Ordered to attend court, Bharat finds himself dealing with made-up testimonies and crooked characters, having to bribe his way out of his predicament.

Co-starring Mugdha Godse and Shriya Saran, the movie’s world premiere will take place in Dubai this Wednesday before going on general release on Thursday. The cast will attend a red carpet premiere at Dubai’s Grand Cineplex at 7pm before being whisked away for a midnight appearance at Club Vegas, Holiday Inn, Bur Dubai.

Along with the topical plot, another reason this picture is making waves is the inclusion of the sizzling Veena Malik in item number Chhanno. Currently in Dubai, the beautiful Pakistani actress revealed that the team behind the film was a primary reason she went for this role in the sea of offers that came her way after her stint on reality TV show Bigg Boss.

“Ahmed Khan (dance co-ordinator for Ghajini and Rangeela) was the choreographer, the make-up artists, designers, the banner and the director were all extremely exciting people to be working with. I couldn’t resist.

“When I first heard the song, I had to hear it again and again up to four-five times in a row. It’s so beautiful and different and my character is stunning and sexy.”

Veena’s moves, highlighted by her enviable figure, have already encouraged over half a million YouTube views over the recent weeks.

“An item girl needs to look hot,” Veena explained when asked how she prepared herself for the part. “She has to be confident and know that she is pretty. If you look at me in real life, I am so far away from the character in Chhanno, but to carry it off I always have to put the real Veena Malik away. That is acting and I love it.”

Being one of the first artists from outside India to take on the item number challenge, Veena concluded by saying that she has received nothing but support from the industry and fans and hopes that audiences will get the enjoyment they expect from her performances.

david@khaleejtimes.com