The reports of Ileana refusing to do the item number ‘Munni Badnaam’ in Pawan Kalyan’s Gabbar Singh, despite offering a huge pay package of Rs 70 lakhs has created flutters in the Industry.

Confirming the reports, Ileana said,”It’s true that I’m not ready yet for the Item Numbers down South. In Bollywood, A-list Actors show keen interest to shake their leg in the dance numbers because the entire set up is being done on a grand scale. Ace choreographers, world class designers, lavish sets will take the song to the next level. But, that’s not the case in South.”

However, the South filmmakers were not agreeing to the version of the actress. “In the last few years, we witnessed some of the Box Office wonders like Magadheera, Robo and Arundathi. All these films were made with high-technical standards. Note that Hollywood technicians were being roped for South projects, without compromising on budget issues. The South Film Industry is on par with Bollywood. The ones who feel otherwise should wake up atleast now!,” said a noted director.

“A-list heroines here feel that item songs weren’t for them, but the job of struggling beauties. The mind set of the South Heroines need to change. Why don’t they treat the item numbers as any other performance? They should take a leaf out from the books of B-Town stars, known for making use of every opportunity to perform at award events, parties and private functions,” he added.