May 31, 2025: The iconic Bollywood song Sheila Ki Jawani from the 2010 film Tees Maar Khan remains one of the biggest dance numbers of the decade. Directed by Farah Khan and featuring Katrina Kaif’s electrifying performance, the song marked a turning point for both the actress and the genre of item songs in Bollywood.
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In a recent candid conversation on actress Manasi Parekh’s vlog, Farah Khan shared surprising details about the making of the song, revealing that Sheila Ki Jawani was actually the “cheapest song” she had ever directed, despite its massive success.
Farah recalled, “We didn’t have any set for it. All we had were these 10 dancers, and we finished shooting the entire song in just three and a half days. It’s the cheapest song I’ve done and the biggest hit of my career — one of the top three or four hits.”
Sheila Ki Jawani, sung by Sunidhi Chauhan and composed by Vishal-Shekhar, quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Its catchy beats, bold lyrics, and dazzling choreography made it a staple at weddings, parties, and dance floors across India. The song celebrated female empowerment, with Katrina Kaif’s confident and glamorous portrayal helping redefine her screen persona.
Before Sheila Ki Jawani, Katrina was mostly seen in girl-next-door roles in romantic dramas. This song allowed her to break free from that image, showcasing a daring and bold side that resonated with audiences.
Interestingly, Farah also admitted she was initially reluctant to cast Katrina for the film, despite the actress’ previous collaborations with lead actor Akshay Kumar. “I was very against it at first, but eventually she came on board, and it turned out to be the obvious choice,” Farah shared.
Although Tees Maar Khan underperformed at the box office initially, Sheila Ki Jawani has since achieved cult status, firmly establishing itself as one of Bollywood’s most memorable item numbers.
Farah Khan’s revelation underscores a powerful message in filmmaking: big hits don’t always require huge budgets. Sometimes, creativity, energy, and passion can make all the difference.