'Don't call me an item'

Eesha Koppikar has said that she is unhappy with the use of the 'item song' tag in Bollywood.

Although best known for her special appearances in film songs, the actress indicated that she is uncomfortable with the label.

"I still don't understand why it is called 'item' and in what context it is called so? The term is created by media and to some extent even by producers and directors," Koppikar told the Times of India.

"They are special or friendly appearances why call it 'item song'. We are human beings not any object to be called an item."

The 33-year-old, who has appeared in short roles in films such as 36 China Town and Company, will next be seen in Subhash Ghai's Hello Darling.

The film, which is released on August 27, addresses issues of sexual harassment.