In the vibrant world of Bollywood, a single song can sometimes eclipse the entire film, becoming a cultural moment of its own. Often, this magic is amplified when a popular actress makes a special appearance, lending her star power and charisma to a dance number. These performances transcend the screen, embedding themselves in public memory and defining eras of Hindi cinema. Let's revisit some of the most iconic instances where leading ladies turned special songs into legendary moments.
The Contemporary Chart-Toppers
The trend of special appearances continues to thrive in modern Bollywood. A prime example is the energetic wedding song 'Shararat' from the 2025 film 'Dhurandhar'. While the movie stars Ranveer Singh, Akshaye Khanna, and Arjun Rampal, the song featured a dazzling cameo by television stars turned Bollywood entrants Krystle D'Souza and Ayesha Khan. Set against a grand wedding backdrop, their confident and energetic performance, coupled with vocals by Madhuanti Bagchi and Jasleen Sandlas, made the track an instant hit. Despite a brief screen time, their appearance propelled the song to viral status on social media, proving the lasting power of a well-executed special number. The film, directed by Aditya Dhar, continues to run in cinemas, with the song being a major highlight.
Similarly, Tamannaah Bhatia set the screen on fire with her high-octane performance in 'Aaj Ki Raat' from the horror-comedy 'Stree 2'. Her powerful dance moves and captivating screen presence perfectly complemented the vibrant track sung by Madhubanti Bagchi. The song's massive popularity added to the film's success as a complete entertainer, which also starred Rajkummar Rao, Shraddha Kapoor, and Pankaj Tripathi under the direction of Amar Kaushik.
Unforgettable Legacy Songs
Some special appearances become so iconic that they define an actress's career. Malaika Arora achieved exactly that with the blockbuster item number 'Munni Badnaam Hui' from the 2010 Salman Khan-starrer 'Dabangg'. Her unmatched confidence, stylish performance, and electrifying chemistry with Khan transformed the song into a nationwide sensation. More than a decade later, it remains a staple at Indian weddings and parties, a true testament to its enduring appeal.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas delivered another unforgettable moment in Sanjay Leela Bhansali's 'Ram Chahe Leela' from 'Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela' (2013). Her bold look and fierce attitude in the song added a layer of fire and drama to the grand narrative. Bhansali's stunning visual execution combined with Priyanka's commanding performance created a song that is remembered as much for its artistry as for its energy, featuring co-star Ranveer Singh.
The Graceful Cameos
Not all special appearances rely on high energy. Sometimes, sheer grace and screen presence are enough to create a lasting impact. Deepika Padukone demonstrated this beautifully in the title track 'Raabta' for the 2017 film of the same name, which starred Sushant Singh Rajput and Kriti Sanon. Her calm, elegant, and ethereal appearance in the song required no dramatic dance steps, yet it captivated audiences completely. This performance stands as a classic example of how a star's stunning presence alone can elevate a musical sequence, even in a film that may not have performed well commercially.
These special song appearances are more than just promotional tools; they are strategic artistic choices that often become the most memorable parts of a film's legacy. They showcase the actress's versatility, create massive buzz, and gift audiences with moments of pure cinematic joy that are celebrated for years to come.
