The Greatest Monsoon Songs From Bollywood

Monsoon is here and with the pitter-patter of raindrops, it brings with it a feeling of happiness, a cool breeze, and nature drenched in rain. Lush, green, and alive — monsoon is a sight. This beautiful form of nature has been used extensively in cinema; monsoon in Bollywood stands for passion, romance, drama, intensity, and poetry. Expressing Indian cinema’s larger-than-life aspect, rain is one of the most loved props of storytelling in Bollywood. Though music is a very personal choice, we are sure the love for these classic rains songs of Bollywood is universal.

Pyaar hua iqraar hua, Shree 420 (1955)

When you hear the name of this song, the unforgettable imagery of Raj Kapoor and Nargis sharing an umbrella on a rainy evening, flashes to mind. This is a classic monsoon melody, speaking of the promises of eternal black and white romance. Composed by music directors Shankar-Jaikishan and lyrics written by Shailendra.Ek ladki bheegi bhaagi si, Chalti Ka Naam

It is raining endlessly, and a car breaks down, a damsel in distress steps out (Madhubala). Kishore Kumar is at his flirty best with bantering and animated quipes. This is a playful track of rain, beauty, wit and romance. Composed by SD Burman and lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri.

Bheegi bheegi raaton mein, Ajnabee (1974)

Evocative lyrics coupled with unflinching canoodling best describes Rajesh Khanna and Zeenat Aman’s sizzling wet rendezvous on the terrace. The lilting music is by RD Burman and lyrics by Anand Bakshi.

Rimjhim gire saawan, Manzil (1979)

This melody is a stroll down the wet lanes and corners of Bombay. Marine Drive and other landmarks of the city before its transformation to Mumbai, make this song an archetypal Bombay number. The song films Amitabh Bachhan and Moushumi Chatterjee walking down the water-logged streets of Bombay in the heavy downpour. Composed by Pancham Da and lyrics by Yogesh.

Aaj rapat jaayen, Namak Halal (1982)

A sizzling monsoon number, showcasing an exuberant Amitabh Bachhan, in his playful and passionate romance with the somber Smita Patil. Music by Bappi Lahiri and lyrics by Anjaan.

Kaate nahi kat te, Mr. India (1987)

No Bollywood actress can come close to what Sridevi is in this passionate romantic number from Mr. India. Bollywood’s iconic science fiction superhero movie is remembered for many of its rhythmic musical numbers, with Kaate nahi kat te fondly recalled as one of the most sizzling solo performances by any actress in Indian cinema. Composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal and lyrics by Javed Akhtar.

Lagi aaj saawan, Chandni(1989)

With nostalgia and wishful thinking at its roots, the song showcases Vinod Khanna overwhelming with memories of his late wife (played by Juhi Chawla). The sight of Sridevi looking beautiful soaked in a yellow sari makes this an emotional monsoon melody from Chandni. Composed by Shiv Hari and lyrics given by Anand Bakshi.

Tip tip barsa, Mohra (1994)

This sizzling 90s number is still fondly remembered for its rhythmic beats and Raveena Tandon looking her best. Viju Shah’s music coupled with Anand Bakshi’s lyrics makes this a magical rainy song.

Rimjhim Rimjhim, 1942, A Love Story (1994)

One of the most melodious rain songs, Rimjhim Rimjhim expresses the prim and soft romance between Manisha Koirala and Anil Kapoor. Music from none other than RD Burman and lyrics by Javed Akhtar.

Koi ladki hai, Dil To Pagal Hai (1997)

Yash Chopra’s outstanding direction, Madhuri-SRK’s charismatic performances, Uttam Singh’s zingy music and Shiamak Davar’s choreography create this vivacious yet innocent rainy number.

Nahi saamne, Taal (1999)

The slow paced, awe-inspiring musical composition by the maestro A.R. Rahman blends perfectly with the soulful voice of Hariharan. Nahin saamne is a tale of delicate and divine love from Taal.

Ghanan ghanan, Lagaan (2001)

The voice of drought-striken farmers as they appeal to the Rain Gods for downpours, this tune from Ashutosh Gowarikar’s period drama is a musical masterpiece. Rahman’s composition and Javed Akhtar’s lyrics create magic in a song so close to the hearts of Indian villages.

Woh lamhe, Zeher (2005)

A huge song of its time, this song soared the charts and was a must-have on every playlist. This snazzy number featuring Atif Aslam’s was one of the most popular among all soundtracks of Emraan Hasmi’s films.

Barso re, Guru (2007)

Rahman creates another dynamic song through this foot-tapping musical piece, showcasing the rain soaked lush green farms of villages in Kerala. Lyrics by Gulzaar add to the soulful music by Rahman.
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