One of the most celebrated festivals in North India, Holi has been portrayed with much fervour in Bollywood. Some films find it mandatory to include a Holi song, while others time it perfectly to make it a Holi release.
While you’ve got your colours ready, we’ve got you covered on the playlist.
‘Holi Ke Din’ from Sholay
Singers: Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar
Year: 1975
This is song comes merely seconds after the dreaded Gabbar Singh questions his subordinates: “Holi kab hai? Kab hai Holi?” And before you know it, there’s revelry and colour all around Ramgarh.
‘Rang Barse’ from Silsila
Singers: Amitabh Bachchan
Year: 1981
This song has got to be the unofficial Holi anthem every year. No Holi party is complete without this song. The beats, the lyrics, and romance in the air is what makes this the quintessential Bollywood Holi song.
‘Hori Khele Raghuveera’ from Baghban
Singers: Amitabh Bachchan, Alka Yagnik, Sukhwinder Singh, Udit Narayan
Year: 2003
Amitabh Bachchan appears to be the mascot for Holi songs. Featuring him and sung by him, this one is perhaps the modern version of ‘Rang Barse‘. It’s loud and catchy and also has a female singer for an interlude between a couple.
‘Lahu Munh Lag Gaya’ from Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela
Singers: Shail Hada, Osman Mir
Year: 2013
This one’s a slow Holi song, much like how there’s always one slow number for the romantic couples at a party. In the video, the two leads are seen exchanging flirtatious glances with each other while celebrating the festival with their family, trying to steal some minutes away to continue with their romance.
‘Balam Pichkari’ from Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani
Singers: Vishal Dadlani, Shalmali Kholgade
Year: 2013
This Holi song is for the young and the fun crowd. But this song is so dance-worthy that it’s played at weddings, birthdays, and just about any other party because it’s that catchy.
