"I think the way the song was made, it was so wonderful, that only a topmost actress could have done justice to the song. And as far as Katrina is concerned, her USP is that she has never been seen in any film in that kind of zone that 'Chikni Chameli' is in.
So which is why she also stands out in that atmosphere and that is why the song is catching a lot of eyeballs," the director said at the music premiere of "Agneepath" at a radio station here.
The men behind the song are composer-brothers Ajay-Atul, primarily known for their work in Marathi films and serials. "Chikni chameli" is a song inspired by their own Marathi song "Kombadi palali".
No wonder Malhotra denies that the song draws inspiration from any other item number.
"No, no girl inspired us for 'Chikni chameli'," said Malhotra.
Meanwhile, Katrina's fast, rhythmic 'Chikni chameli' act has set many eyeballs popping. "Agneepath", a remake of the 1990 film of the same name, is set for release Jan 26 next year.
It stars Hrithik Roshan in the lead with Sanjay Dutt, Priyanka Chopra and Rishi Kapoor in key roles.