Critics frequently point out that the press alternatingly flatters industry powerhouses for access while weaponizing sensational gossip against vulnerable or rising stars.
However, item songs are not limited to a few controversial hits. They have been a staple for decades: “Munni Badnaam Hui,” “Sheila Ki Jawani,” “Jalebi Bai,” and “Dilbar” are among the many that have become cultural touchstones. Even acclaimed singers like Shreya Ghoshal have refused to sing such numbers, citing “excessive objectification”.
The OTT (streaming) revolution has exposed the Babe Press. On platforms like Netflix, Prime, and Sony LIV, audiences are devouring content without stars. A show like Family Man or Gullak has zero Babe Press coverage. No one knows what the actors wear to weddings. Yet, the entertainment is sublime. It does not "suck."
Gritty Realism: Series began introducing complex social themes and more realistic depictions of relationships.
Others have called out the industry’s hypocrisy. Javed Akhtar has criticized filmmakers for their misguided portrayals of “empowered women,” arguing that they often resort to exaggeration because of a lack of genuine understanding of the modern Indian woman. Meanwhile, Zeenat Aman has condemned Bollywood’s culture of “eve teasing and slut‑shaming,” revealing how actresses have long been subjected to inappropriate behavior both on and off set.
The endless scroll of celebrity updates creates a paradox. While audiences frequently criticize the invasive nature of the paparazzi or the vapidity of clickbait articles, the high view counts and engagement metrics on these very stories ensure their continued production. Moving Toward a Mature Media Ecosystem
With the turn of the millennium and the rise of globalization, Bollywood underwent a massive cultural shift. Movies began embracing bolder themes, Westernized styling, and explicit marketing campaigns. The rise of the Bollywood "item number"—highly stylized, energetic song-and-dance sequences featuring top actresses—became a primary selling point for commercial cinema. This era laid the groundwork for modern digital platforms to extract, package, and distribute highly visual cinematic moments.
Conversely, the negative impacts of this dynamic cannot be overlooked. The relentless pursuit of sensational stories often leads to gross invasions of privacy and the propagation of harmful stereotypes. Female stars bear the brunt of this scrutiny, facing intense pressure to maintain unrealistic standards of beauty and youth. The "suck entertainment" aspect of this media ecosystem implies a parasitic draining of a celebrity's personal boundaries for the sake of public amusement. Mental health struggles, relationship breakdowns, and personal tragedies are routinely commodified and sold as entertainment, stripping artists of their humanity.
The current media landscape shows an unprecedented convergence between Bollywood celebrities and independent digital creators.
Regardless of the sub-genre, the scale of Indian cinema continues to reach historic heights:
The digital age has seen the emergence of several "press" and "entertainment" brands that challenge traditional Bollywood modesty.