Katrina Kaif’s item number ‘Chikni Chameli’:Cinejwala:

Katrina Kaif’s item number ‘Chikni Chameli’ in Karan Johar’s upcoming production ‘Agneepath’, is actually a foot-tapping peppy Marathi dance number from a 2006 Marathi film ‘Jatra’ featuring Bharat Jadav in the lead.

The original Marathi song Kombadi palali was composed by the brothers Atul and Ajay Gogavale and is still played at festive occasions.

While Kaif refused to comment on the number, a source said, “When Katrina heard the song she was blown away. She immediately started swaying to the rhythm. It’s that catchy.”

The brief given to composers Atul-Ajay and choreographer Ganesh Acharya was simple. “Make it more rocking than the original,” said the source.

Atul Gogavale says, “Yes, ‘Chikni Chameli’ is a Hindi version of our Marathi song. We had to make the Hindi version even better.

Shreya Ghosal has sung it in her signature soft style. Though we are known for our lavani songs, ‘Chikni Chameli’ is not lavani number.”

After eight days of dancing under Ganesh Acharya’s supervision, Kaif, we are told, is unable to move a limb. Says a friend of the actress, “She has taken three days leave to recover before she resumes shooting for ‘Ek Tha Tiger’.

Compared to the steps in ‘Chikni Chameli’ , Katrina’s movements in Sheila ki jawani were child’s play.”