Mallika Sherawat's upcoming item number in Tezz has created quite a buzz even before she shakes her booty for it.

The actress is the choice of producer Ratan Jain, even though director Priyadarshan was keen to shoot it with Sameera Reddy who stars in the film.

Though the producer feels Mallika is the perfect choice for the Laila song, there is also another reason why the sex siren agreed to take on the offer despite other names being tossed around.

Old buddies
Says a source, "Mallika has an old association with Ratan Jain and his production house. They share a great rapport and there is the comfort factor. Moreover in her project Hisss, he had helped as co-producer. Hisss proved to be a box office disaster, so Mallika was keen to return the production house's kind gesture."

Returning the favour?
Adds the source, "She may be known for her whims, but when it came to this project, she was extremely gracious. She agreed to do it without pondering and deliberating over it or make any demands. Mallika felt she owed this to them."

The source further says, "Sameera has a substantial role in the film that has Ajay Devgn, Anil Kapoor, Kangna Ranaut and Zayed Khan. As she is considered Priyadarshan's favourite actress, he was keen that She feature in the Laila track as well."

London calling
The song will be shot in London and will be choreographed by Ganesh Acharya. Currently Mallika's styling and costumes for the track are being ascertained.

The film's spokesperson states, "Mallika will be shooting for the item number soon that has been rendered by Sunidhi Chauhan. She loved the song immensely when she was made to hear it.

The production house and she go back a long way and when it comes to item numbers, there is no one who can do it better than her."