Rang Barse! Popular Bollywood Numbers to Sing and Dance This Holi Weekend

Any Holi celebration, however big or small, is incomplete without the essential Bollywood playlist. From the retro “Rang Barse,” to the trendy “Balam Pichkari,” and “Badri Ki Dulhaniya,” Indian Americans of all ages will be grooving to these popular songs. 

With the coronavirus putting a damper on Holi festivities for the past two years, everyone is looking forward to celebrating the festival of colors with family and friends this weekend. All across the country, the young and the old alike will be dousing their loved ones with colors, feasting on Holi specialties like ghujiya, bhujiya, malpua, matthi, and puran poli and thandai, and dancing their hearts away. 

And why not? Over the years, Hindi films have given us some iconic songs that celebrate Holi. The festival Holi has remained an integral part of Bollywood culture, and the fun and frolic of the festival has been captured on the celluloid for decades.

Whether it’s Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha grooving to the iconic “Rang Barse,” or Rajesh Khanna singing “Aaj Na Chhodenge,” or Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor dancing to “Balam Pichkari,” there’s a song for every mood. So this Holi season, put on your dancing shoes, as we list some of our favorite songs and say “Holi Hai.” Because all it takes to make a good party a great one is one fantastic playlist.

Rang Barse (“Silsila”): A Holi party is incomplete without this iconic song from the 1981 film “Silsila.” This masterpiece in Big B’s charismatic and playful lyrics always manages to get the crowd on the dance floor. 

Balam Pichkari’ (“Yeh Jawaani Hai”): It won’t be completely wrong to say that this is today’s Holi anthem. The song is almost a decade old, but it’s played at every Holi party. Almost everyone knows the hook step and enjoys dancing to it every time.

“Holi Ke Din” (“Sholay”): Another popular song from a cult classic. The film “Sholay” has a special place in the heart of all cine lovers. Whether its the film’s iconic dialogues or songs, fans of the movie are forever ready to show their expertise. This song is among one of them. Add to it Gabbar’sdialogue “Holi Kab Hai?” and it has all the trappings of a festival staple. 

Hori Khele Raghuveera (“Baghban”): Another Amitabh Bachchan song that is essential in any Holi playlist. Big B lends his voice to this number as well, giving it his signature playfulness and a lilting quality. 

Chaka Chak (“Atrangi Re”): This Rahman number might not be a quintessential Holi song and has been topping all the dance party playlists recently. It fits perfectly to the mood of a Holi party: color, fun and flirtation. And there has to be at least one in your group who knows all the dance steps.

Jai Jai Shivshankar (“War”): With two good-looking actors and amazing dancers in one frame, this song, pictured on Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff is a visual treat and a foot-tapping number to dance on. It’s one of those songs which will pull everyone on the dance floor and could be played on a loop.

Khadke Glassy (“Jabariya Jodi”): You might not have heard of the song or the movie. But this Honey Singh song with Parineeti Chopra and Siddharth Malhotra is a perfect festive pick. With fast-paced fusion beats and a perfect festive setting, this is the one that needs a glass of thandai. 

Holiya Mein Ude Re Gulal (“Bichuda”): Although not a film song, this gem from singer Ila Arun is a must-have at any Holi celebration. The rustic and folksy beats of this Rajasthani number adds a good variation on the dance floor with some desi jhatkas and thumkas.

Aaj Na Chhodenge (“Kati Patang”): This is another iconic Holi song. Filmed with Rajesh Khanna and Asha Parikh, it is sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar. Not exactly a dancing number, it is nonetheless a quintessential song for Holi festivities. 

Are Ja Re Hat Natkhat” (“Navrang”): Another example of a non-dancing Holi song, but the one that depicts how Hindi cinema has drawn extensively from semi-classical and folk music. Not only did V. Shantaram capture the vibrant nature of the festival in this song, but lyrics by Bharat Vyas offer an interesting play of words.

Holi Aayi Re Kanhai (“Mother India”): Another of those classics, this one is from Mehboob Khan’s “Mother India,” starring Nargis and Sunil Dutt. It is sung by Naushad and Shamshad Begum. 

Do Me A Favor Lets Play Holi (“Waqt — The Race Against Time”): This song has Anu Malik written all over it, and elicits mixed reviews. You can either hate it or love it. The song is a little flirtatious and is pictured on Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra. It’s worth being on the Holly playlist. Skip it if it raises many eyebrows. 

Ang Se Ang Lagana (“Darr”): This Shah Rukh Khan song starts off rather slow, but the flirty lyrics and the beats of the dhol make it a perfect dance song. And those who know the steps can channel their inner actor to put on a performance. 

Soni Soni (“Mohabbatein”): Unlike the previous SRK song, this one isn’t that popular. The song does have the Yash Raj grandeur and is bound to work with King Khan fans and Bollywood buffs.