Sonakshi's item number

Makers of Joker won't have to look anymore for Katrina Kaif or other A-league actresses for performing an item number in Joker. They have found one pretty much in-house, what with Sonakshi Sinha herself stepping in for a slot that was available for grabs. This well-thought of decision was taken last week by Shirish Kunder and Farah Khan who felt that there was no harm in getting their own leading lady gyrate to the tune of this 'desi' number that is expected to spice up the narrative of this Akshay Kumar starrer.

"This item number was recorded many months back but the hunt was on for the item girl. Though there was no one in particular who was sent any feelers since there are still a few more days to go before the song goes on floors, Shirish started looking at Sonakshi as a big option that was available right in front of them", says a source from the film.

For the uninitiated, a few months back there were also talks of Katrina Kaif and Salman Khan being approached for the song. Since Katrina owes her biggest chartbuster ever, 'Sheila Ki Jawaani' (Tees Maar Khan) to Farah and Salman too has worked with Shirish in Jaan-E-Mann (and also done an item number 'Wallah Wallah' in Tees Maar Khan), everyone felt that this would be a cakewalk. However, once Katrina denied doing any such song, the hunt intensified to look for another big name.

"Yeah, everyone felt that Sonakshi herself could be groomed for this item number", the source continues, "She has anyways done quite well in another song from the film, 'Dance Kar Le English Mein', where she has gyrated to a 'desi' tune and impressed everyone with her moves. Shirish and Farah felt that it would be good to continue the momentum by making their leading lady do the quintessential item number as well."

On contacted, Shirish did confirm that Sonakshi was doing the item number. However he denied that this was an after thought and instead stated that options were always open for the coveted slot. "No one else had been approached and in any case this song was always supposed to be shot in our later schedules. Sonakshi is the best fit for the song and we would be beginning the shoot soon", says Shirish.

There are some who are surprised though. After all, it wasn't too long ago when he had supposedly asked Sonakshi to reduce weight for her further scenes in the film. One wonders what led to a change in mind.

"What change of mind", Shirish gets a tad irritated here, "We took Sonakshi in the film for what she is. She looks absolutely fine and there is no change needed in her. Whatever you heard are just rumours."

When told that this decision seemed impromptu and just a measure to soothe Ms. Sinha who is pretty peeved with the suggestions, Shirish responded stating, "That's rubbish. People should stop imagining."