9 Bollywood Songs That Celebrate Holi In All Its Glory

You may think that your upcoming Holi celebrations will be the talk of the town, but they've got nothing on Bollywood. With an abundance of colour and bhaang in every shot, the Hindi film industry has a history of making their Holi songs vibrant, fun-filled and larger-than-life. Here's a look at 9 of those movies which celebrated the colourful festival of Holi in style.

1. Holi Aayi Re Kanhai, Mother India

Let's start with the most iconic of Holi hits that still resonates today. Holi Aayi Re Kanhai from 1957's Mother India is a splendid number that peels away the frills and fancies, which we've grown used to in modern Holi hits. It shows the festival with its rich tradition of song and dance against the melodious voice of Shamshad Begum.

2. Holi Ke Din, Sholay

While we're talking about iconic Holi tunes, we cannot fail to mention Holi Ke Din from the 1975 classic Sholay. Sung by Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar, this melodious number revolves around Holi festivities in the village and features Amitabh and Jaya Bachchan as well as a hip-swinging Hema Malini.

3. Rang Barse, Silsila

Of every Bollywood Holi song there is, Rang Barse from 1981's Silsila is by far, the most popular. Showcasing Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan and Rekha back in their glory days, the catchy tune celebrates the festive with quaint charm, white outfits and lots of colour.

4. Ang Se Ang Lagana, Darr

It may come as surprise to see a celebratory song like Ang Se Ang Lagana in the psychological thriller that is Darr. However, at the end of lively hit, things take a dark turn as Shah Rukh Khan's Rahul professes his love for Juhi Chawla's Kiran with the iconic dialogue, "I love you, K-K-Kiran."

5. Soni Soni, Mohabbatein

Soni Soni from the 2000 romantic drama Mohabbatein marks the modernization of Holi celebrations and famously brought together Amitabh Bachchan and Shah Rukh Khan on-screen. The song brings together the star cast in a large celebration of colour, song and dance on the backdrop of multiple love stories.

6. Do Me A Favour Let's Play Holi, Waqt

Now this Holi hit certainly distinguishes itself from the lot. Featured in the 2005 film, Waqt: The Race Against Time, this song finds itself on, surprise surprise, a boat. Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra who are clad in white, shimmy to the beat and revel in a spontaneous rain dance too.

7. Hori Khele Raghuveera, Baghban

Hori Khele Raghuveera has remained a popular festive song since its release in 2003 and that's greatly because of its light-hearted video, catchy beat and natural chemistry between Amitabh Bachchan and Hema Malini. Baghban marked their first film together after 20 years and going by breezy this song is, you won't be able to tell a thing.

8. Balam Pichkari, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani

Amongst modern Bollywood Holi numbers, this one is known, loved and sung along-to by absolutely everyone. Set in streets full of Holi revelers, this song, with its fun lyrics and delightful pairing of Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone, is an absolute earworm.

9. Lahu Munh Lag Gaya, Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-leela

On the backdrop of the Sanjay Leela Bhansali's stunning Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-leela movie, this Holi song has sensual depth to it, rather than just being a festive celebration. Along with the stunning costumes and sets, Lahu Munh Lag Gaya highlighted Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone's sizzling chemistry.

Here's to a festive Holi that comes close to some of these glorious hits.