Veena Malik has again landed in the middle of a controversy, this time for “ripping-off” Katrina Kaif’s look in a new film. After turning down a number of Bollywood roles, the Pakistani actress agreed to dance in an item song titled The Item Bomb Channo.
But critics believe her look is almost identical to that of British Indian actress Katrina Kaif’s latest release Chikni Chameli. Stills from the new film have been dubbed ‘uncomfortably reminiscent’ of the first-look photos from Kaif’s Agneepath by India Today, the Mirror reported. Critics have speculated that the similarities in dress, hair, makeup and setting are a PR ploy to generate further coverage after the star’s FHM nude photoshoot row.
But Malik claims the fact that Channo was ‘different’ is what persuaded her to agree to the film, which is set for release on February 3. “From styling and the set up, to the tune and choreography, everything in this item number is different,” she was quoted as saying. “That is why I choose to do this item song,” she said.
Aside from the sizzling costume, the actress also sports a Nathani, a Pakistani nose ring, which was added to her look by her own request. “Nathani is a very important ornament in Pakistan and it gives a very beautiful look,” she said. “So on my request we added it to my look, which is looking stunning,” she added.