OPINION: Bollywood romance and Holi, a match made in heaven

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One primary reason people worldwide adore Bollywood movies and songs is their lively and colorful essence. Given that India is a land of festivities, Bollywood films have significantly contributed over time to involving the world in our celebrations. Be it Diwali, Holi, Eid, Lohri, or significant Indian festivals, Hindi movies have consistently brought an added charm to their splendor.

The vibrant celebration known as Holi, or the Festival of Colors, is closely associated with Bollywood, the Hindi film industry. In turn, these movies have brought Holi global recognition, while the festival has significantly influenced the storylines of numerous films. It often serves as a symbol for love, dance, and carefree spirit.

Bollywood romance is hardly complete without Holi

If I were to request you to share some of your preferred Holi songs from Bollywood movies, you might provide a selection of multiple tunes. However, have you ever considered that these songs often play a significant role in fostering the romantic connection between the main characters?

The catchy tune “Balam Pichkari” from the movie “Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani” stands out as one of the most beloved Holi songs. In this film, the song symbolizes Deepika Padukone’s character, Naina, embracing life more fully. As she evolves from a studious and reserved girl into someone who leaves boys spellbound, it creates an unforgettable scene on screen. When Aditya Roy Kapur (Avi) utters “aye chasmish” in surprise, Naina questions “kaun chashmish?” This moment takes on additional significance because Ranbir Kapoor (Bunny), who has never witnessed Naina like this before, is left astonished. It’s at this point that the rhythm sets in, and Bunny and Naina’s romance reaches new heights.

In the movie “Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela,” the song “Lahu Munh Lag Gaya” beautifully portrays the instantaneous love between characters played by Ranveer Singh (Ram) and Deepika Padukone (Leela). Initially forbidden to join Leela’s Holi festivities, Ram, a rule-breaker, decides to attend. Upon their initial encounter, both sense an unavoidable destiny binding them together.

In the background plays “Lahu Munh Lag Gaya,” and Ram, who fancies himself a ladies’ man, is left speechless by Leela’s brave display of affection. The chemistry between them, intensified by Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s masterful handling of colors, elevates the enchantment of that moment even further. When I first witnessed this song, I was spellbound, and I remain so to this day.

Speaking about Holi songs from Deepika Padukone and Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s movies, I certainly can’t overlook the enchanting Holi scene from “Padmaavat,” starring DP along with Shahid Kapoor. The way Sanjay Leela Bhansali captured the deep-seated love between Rani Padmavati and Maharawal Ratan Singh through his cinematography is nothing short of a visual feast.

The beauty is in its details; SLB hasn’t kept anything subtle here.

Without a doubt, it would be a shame not to mention the memorable songs “Raanjhanaa Hua Main Tera” and “Tum Tak,” starring Sonam Kapoor and Dhanush from the film Raanjhanaa. The blend of Holi celebrations in Varanasi, innocent love storyline, and the outstanding chemistry between the leads, along with AR Rahman’s captivating music compositions and Irshad Kamil’s poetic lyrics, truly earns an A+.

In the scene from Tum Tak, Sonam Kapoor (Zoya) applies Gulaal on Dhanush (Kundan)’s face, causing him to enter a trance. The song then transitions exquisitely into the lyrics, “Lead me across, guide my steps, You are my guardian, Feeding me, I want to cross your river, You are my beacon, Where will we reach the shore, My heart longs for you, In a fragile boat.” The enchanting portrayal of this scene by Aanand L Rai, along with his cast and music team, is nothing less than a magical experience.

The “Title Track from Badrinath Ki Dulhania” is a frequently heard song at Holi celebrations. This lively Holi tune, featuring Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan, wonderfully encapsulates the spirit of the festival and the endearing relationship between the main characters.

Additionally, the song played a crucial role during the movie’s promotions as it was released during Holi in 2017.

Regardless of whether I travel back in time, those classic Bollywood Holi tunes from yesteryears didn’t fall short when it came to portraying love in all its grandeur on the silver screen. From Aaj Na Chodenge by Rajesh Khanna and Asha Parekh to Rang Barse starring Amitabh Bachchan, Rekha, Jaya Bachchan, and Sanjeev Kumar, as well as Dharmendra and Hema Malini’s Holi Ke Din Dil Khil Jaate Hain, these timeless songs have been filling us with the spirit of the colorful festival for many years.

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2025-05-13 12:23