"Teri Yaad Aayi Toh, Jal Utha Mera Bheega Badan"
During the Monsoon and Baarish season, one cannot help but dance with excitement or indulge in hot crispy pakoras.
But rain, as we know, is the prominent weather which is depicted in many Hindi film songs. As a matter of fact, the weather itself usually represents amour.
Commonly, Bollywood rain songs depict various expressions and themes under the main genre of love. Some of these include sensuality, hope, lust and of course, celebration.
DESIblitz assembles a list of 12 Bollywood rain songs for the monsoon of emotions!
Pyar Hua Ikrar Hua ~ Shree 420 (1955): Worries/Fears
For a moment, just forget the Aashiqui jacket pose and observe Raj Kapoor and Nargis under the umbrella, staring into each other’s eyes. This is an evergreen Bollywood Rain song.
The main chorus of this evergreen song outlines how the male and female protagonists in the song have come to terms with their love for each other.
“Kehta Hai Dil, Rasta Mushkil, Maloon Nahin Kahaan Hai Manzil.” These lines outline that the female protagonist worries about where her relationship will lead to.
This vision of a rainy night in vintage Mumbai is an iconic moment in Bollywood, which will always be remembered.
Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si ~ Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi (1958): Infatuation
SD Burman’s music has a playful yet a slightly eerie tone. After the initial tapping of metal, in the beginning, Kishore Kumar sings after his attention is diverted.
The song depicts a mechanic’s (Kishore Kumar) infatuation after seeing a damp damsel (Madhubala), whose car is broken. Majrooh Sultanpuri‘s lyrics convey:
“A girl who is drenched and looks like she has run away is awake on this sleeping night. She met a stranger and has no one with her, you tell me if this is right?”
Underlining the song’s mischievous rhythm and style, critic Dinesh Raheja says: “Madhubala and Kishore Kumar are perfectly in tune with each other’s comic rhythms.”
Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein ~ Ajnabee (1974): Sensuality
When a song begins with thunder, you can imagine the magic that will unfold in this classic R.D. Burman track and that too for a Shakti Samanta classic.
With Rajesh Khanna and Zeenat Aman grooving on the rooftop, this song defines seduction
The female lyrics convey:
“Aisa Lagta Hai Tum Banake Baadal, Mere Badan Ko Bhigoke Mujhe, Chhed Rahe Ho.”
As such, the Male is symbolised as a cloud who is teasing the female by pouring love on her.
Plus, Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar’s vocals are so sizzling, that the rain has never felt hotter!
Chhoti Si Kahani Se ~ Ijaazat (1987): Nostalgia
‘Chhoti Si Kahani Se’ sets the scenes as an estranged couple: Mahinder (Naseeruddin Shah) and Sudha (Rekha) who reunite unexpectedly at a small railway station.
It is pouring heavily outside and they have nothing but each other‘s company. The song gives the audience a glimpse of how they feel during this unexpected encounter.
With Asha Bhosle at the vocals, this song makes the listener smile, yet there quite a strong melancholic under-layer to it. Particularly, the words:
“Dil Mein Gile Bhi The, Pahle Mile Bhi the. Mil Ke Paraaye The, Do Humsaaye The,” highlights the couple’s previous aloof relationship. The rain, in this scenario, is an example of how the weather can make one feel nostalgic.
Lagi Aaj Sawan ~ Chandni (1989): Haunted by the Past
When it comes to showcasing rain songs in Indian cinema, no one can beat the legendary Yash Chopra. He has epitomised Bollywood romance.
‘Lagi Aaj Sawan’ stands out from the other tracks as it depicts how the rain can haunt a lover of their past. The backing female vocals enhance this menacing effect.
The chorus in this Shiv-Hari composition outline: “It’s that same shower of rain today and that same fire has started in the heart.”
In the movie, Vinod Khanna sings these lines as he watches Sridevi dancing merrily.
But this wonderful visual reminds him of his past love – Juhi Chawla – who is also seen innocently dancing in the rain.
Watch our full playlist of Bollywood rain songs here:
Megha Re Megha ~ Lamhe (1991): Finding Love
Rediff cites: “Chopra surpassed his own findings of romance with the insightful, lovely Lamhe.”
In ‘Megha Re Megha,’ the main singers Lata Mangeshkar and Ila Arun encompass the true flavour of Rajasthan.
One sees Sridevi alongside other girls swinging and dancing in the rain, this song celebrates youth. Especially when they are shown to be laughing, splashing and jumping in the water.
Anand Bakshi once again pens some meaningful lyrics. The rain here is depicted as a means of finding your love, a la the words:
“Tera Mann Tarsa Re, Pani Kyon Barsa Re, Tune Kisko Yaad Kiya?” The fact that Anil Kapoor sees Sridevi for the first time in the film, this also demonstrates how rain can unite lovers.
Tip Tip Barsa Pani ~ Mohra (1994): Lust
‘Tip Tip Barsa Pani’ redefines the word sexy.
Raveena Tandon draped in a drenched yellow chiffon sari and she wows the audience with each ‘latka’ and ‘jhatka’.
From the first ‘aha’ sung by Alka Yagnik, you know this song oozes with passion.
Especially through the suggestive words: “Teri Yaad Aayi Toh, Jal Utha Mera Bheega Badan.” These lyrics are exhibit how rain causes the heat of desire.
However, the eroticism goes notches higher when Akshay Kumar enters the scene, with his unbuttoned shirt.
Seeing Raveena-Akshay’s exquisite chemistry and hearing Alka-Udit‘s ardent vocals, this rain song is one which centres on lust.
Mere Khwabon Mein ~ Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (DDLJ) (1995): Dreams
How can one forget this classic? ‘Mere Khwabon Mein’ is one of the most popular rain numbers in Bollywood and for good reason.
Music reviewer Avinash Ramchandani expresses: “With the superb music by Jatin-Lalit and the always sweet voice of Lata, this song beats all the rest.”
We see Simran (played by Kajol) wrapped in a towel, singing about her prince who appears in her dreams and teases her, hence, “Mere Khwabon Mein Jo Aaye. Aa Ke, Mujhe Ched Jaaye.”
During the rain portion, we see Simran dancing merrily as she dreams about her ideal man. Simran even throws her mother’s umbrella whilst her mum does the household chores.
Therefore, the pouring rain reflects the free-flowing nature of Simran’s dreams and hopes for life.
Koi Ladki Hai ~ Dil Toh Pagal Hai (1997): Attraction
A brilliant musical assemble, combined with melodious vocals by Lata Mangeshkar and Udit Narayan, this Dil Toh Pagal Hai song makes you feel good.
The ‘feel-good’ factor is enhanced with children as background artists appearing in the video as well as in the audio. However, it can also be said that the children represent innocence.
Seeing that adult background artists later appear, this denotes maturity which one usually feels after falling in love.
Like ‘Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si,’ the rain is also compared to a girl: “Koi Ladki Hai, Jab Woh Hasti Hai, Baarish Hoti Hai.”
Therefore, the central theme of this song revolves around the sentiment of attraction, which is a development of ‘infatuation’.
What also makes this song special is that whilst the song describes one girl, we see both actresses: Madhuri Dixit and Karisma Kapoor grooving alongside Shahrukh Khan.
This also emphasises the love-triangle in the film.
Ghanan Ghanan ~ Lagaan (2001): Hope
AR Rahman’s Music In Lagaan is delightful and award-winning. In addition, Javed Akhtar got a ‘National Award’ for his lyrics in the song ‘Ghanan Ghanan.’
This is a track which encompasses hope. Crooned by six singers: Udit Narayan, Sukhwinder Singh, Shankar Mahadevan, Shaan and Alka Yagnik.
It is depicted on various farmers in Champaner, who pray that it rains for their crops to grow –
“Kaale Kaale Megha Paani Toh Barsao,” translates to ‘Oh Black cloud, please pour down some Rain.’
“Mann Dhadkaaye Badarwa” highlights how the farmers’ hopes are strongly attached to the rain.
When the song finishes in the film, there are no signs of rain. But in the end of the movie, a part of the song is played and rain finally pours down.
Hence, the depiction of rain highlights that one should keep faith in their belief.
Barso Re ~ Guru (2007): Liberation
Glamsham lauds this AR Rahman composition by saying: “Shreya Ghoshal throaty vocals are exuded with tonal textures of feminine radiance and rustic subtlety.”
Gulzar’s lyrics summarise the rain as ‘warm’ and ‘sweet.’ Most importantly, the line: “Jal Thal, Jal Thal… Chal Behta Chal,” reinforces that like the rain, life can also be free-flowing.
The lines: “Tair Ke Chali, Main Toh Paar Chali. Paar Waale Par Le Kinaar Chali Re Megha,” denotes how Aishwarya Rai Bachchan runs away from her home to reunite with her lover in the film.
Therefore, rain, in this case, symbolises freedom.
Besides the symbolic aspect of ‘Barso Re,’ is an eye-pleasing song as it shows Aishwarya merrily dancing amidst the rain.7
If the song itself does not impress you, then Saroj Khan’s Gujarati-style choreography will!
Cham Cham ~ Baaghi (2016): Celebration and Joy
Shraddha Kapoor elegantly in a white salwar, grooving in the hardcore rain. This is truly a stunning visual, right? Grossing over 100 million views on YouTube, ‘Cham Cham’ is a popular rain song of the 2010s in Bollywood.
The Meet Bros song denotes the sound that is made when a person dances and jumps in puddles of water when there is rainfall. This itself conveys the emotion of joy.
Kumaar’s beautiful lyrics: “Baarishon Ki Taal Pe Yeh Khanak Mere Dhadkano Ki, Keh Rahi Hai Jee Le Tu Zara.” This signifies how the rain tells one to live a little and enjoy life. Hence, these words encourage one to celebrate life.
In addition to the slice-of-life element to this song, Monali Thakur’s voice and Tiger Shroff’s impressive dancing will sweep you off your feet.
Furthermore, Ganesh Acharya’s choreography of the signature step is very catchy!
Generally, rain songs have been an integral part of Indian cinema. Not only does it have a strong emphasis on love, but it also derives other sentiments, some of which DESIblitz has outlined.
Whilst these are our selection of 12 Bollywood songs, we must also acknowledge some other famous and popular tracks that also revolve around similar themes as the ones we have listed:
- Barsaat Ke Din ~ Barsaat (2005).
- Baarish ~ Yaariyan (2014) and Half-Girlfriend (2017).
- Dekho Na ~ Fanaa (2006).
- Aaj Rapat ~ Namak Halal (1982).
- Kaate Nahin Kat Te ~ Mr India (1987).
- Pani Re Pani ~ Shor (1972).
- Title Song ~ Hum Tum (2004).
- Aaya Sawan Jhoom Ke (1969).
- Tum Hi Ho ~ Aashiqui 2 (2013).
- Sawan Aaya Hai ~ Creature 3D (2014).
- Sawan Ka Mahina ~ Milan (1967).
- Rim Jhim Rim Jhim ~ 1942: A Love Story (1994).
- Title Track ~ Taal (1999).
- Ek Chhatri Mein Hum Hai Do ~ Maan Gaye Ustaad (1981).
- Zoobi Dooby ~ 3 Idiots (2009).
- Jo Haal Dil Ka ~ Sarfarosh (1999).
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