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Holi, the festival of colors, is one of the most beloved and widely celebrated festivals in India. It is a time when people come together to smear each other with vibrant colors, dance to lively music, and indulge in delicious sweets. Bollywood, the Hindi film industry, has beautifully captured the essence of Holi through its movies. These films not only showcase the joy and mirth of the festival but also depict various emotions and narratives intertwined with the celebration. In this article, we will take a look at 10 iconic Bollywood movies that have celebrated the festival of Holi in their own unique way.
1. "Mother India" (1957)
Directed by Mehboob Khan, "Mother India" is a timeless classic that portrays the strength and resilience of a rural Indian woman named Radha. The movie features an iconic Holi song, "Holi Aayi Re Kanhai," which reflects the Krishna Leela associated with the festival. Nargis, the legendary actress, portrays Radha in two different phases of her life, as a married woman and as a widow. The song showcases the traditional Indian attire of dhoti-kurta for men and lehenga-choli for women, capturing the essence of Holi in its oldest form.
2. "Navrang" (1959)
"Navrang," directed by V. Shantaram, is a musical extravaganza that showcases the vibrant and colorful world of dance and music. The film features the song "Are Jaa Re Hatt Natkhat," sung by the male protagonist, Mahipal. The song revolves around an imaginary character named Mohini, portrayed by Sandhya, a renowned dancer. This iconic Holi song beautifully captures the festive spirit and showcases the classical dance form associated with the festival.
3. "Kati Patang" (1974)
"Kati Patang," directed by Shakti Samanta, is a romantic drama that features the famous Holi song, "Aaj Na Chhodenge." The song, starring Rajesh Khanna and Asha Parekh, normalizes the casual teasing and playful nature of Holi. The colorful visuals, with people dancing and smearing each other with a plethora of colors, capture the essence of community celebration. The film also challenges the tradition of widowed women not being allowed to celebrate the festival, making it a significant moment in the plot.
4. "Sholay" (1975)
"Sholay," directed by Ramesh Sippy, is a cult classic that needs no introduction. The movie features the iconic Holi song, "Holi Ke Din," which portrays the festival like no other film. The song begins with colors in the air and an engaging soundtrack, but it is Hema Malini's character, Basanti, who steals the show. The lyrics reflect the festival as a celebration of love, and the entire sequence becomes a memorable and dramatic moment in the film.
5. "Silsila" (1981)
Directed by Yash Chopra, "Silsila" is a romantic drama that explores the complexities of love and relationships. The film features the evergreen Holi song, "Rang Barse, Bheege Chunarwali," which has become a constant in every Holi party playlist. The song stars Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, Rekha, and Sanjeev Kumar. With bhaang (a traditional Holi drink), colors, jasmine flowers, and dholak (a percussion instrument), the song highlights all aspects of the festival and adds a touch of romance to the storyline.
6. "Darr" (1993)
Directed by Yash Chopra, "Darr" is a psychological thriller that delves into the dark side of obsession and love. The movie features the famous Holi song, "Ang Se Ang Lagana," which gained immense popularity. The Holi scene in "Darr" showcases the reality of the festival, highlighting how it has become an excuse for some men to openly harass and abuse women. Shah Rukh Khan's portrayal of madness and obsession in the film leaves a lasting impact on the viewers.
7. "Baghban" (2003)
"Baghban," directed by Ravi Chopra, is a family drama that revolves around the theme of parental love and respect. The film features the song "Hori Khele Raghuveera," centered around the romance of the beloved couple, played by Hema Malini and Amitabh Bachchan. The lyrics highlight how the festival was celebrated in Lord Krishna's time, set in a modern setting. The song beautifully blends tradition and modernity, making it one of the most unique Holi songs in Bollywood.
8. "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani" (2013)
Directed by Ayan Mukerji, "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani" is a coming-of-age romantic drama that explores love, friendship, and self-discovery. The film features the popular Holi song, "Balam Pichkari," which has become an anthem for the young generation. The song marks a significant turning point in the storyline, as Deepika Padukone's character, Naina, undergoes a transformation after the Holi celebration. The film captures the vibrancy and energy of Holi, providing a fresh perspective on the festival.
9. "Badrinath Ki Dulhania" (2017)
Directed by Shashank Khaitan, "Badrinath Ki Dulhania" is a romantic comedy that addresses social issues and challenges traditional norms. The film features the title track, which is a mix of old and contemporary styles of celebrating Holi. Alia Bhatt and Varun Dhawan, the lead pair, mesmerize the audience with their expressive performances. The song is set in a closed surrounding, adding a unique twist to the traditional Holi celebration.
10. "Toilet: Ek Prem Katha" (2017)
"Toilet: Ek Prem Katha," directed by Shree Narayan Singh, is a social drama that addresses the issue of sanitation and open defecation in rural India. The film features the song "Latth Maar," which showcases Mathura's traditional latth maar style of celebrating Holi. The scene becomes a pivotal moment in the plot, as Jaya (Bhumi Pednekar) hits Keshav (Akshay Kumar) out of frustration and anger, challenging the traditional norms and inspiring a change in the community.
These 10 Bollywood movies have beautifully encapsulated the spirit of Holi, bringing the festival to life on the silver screen. Each film offers a unique perspective on the celebration, while also exploring various themes and emotions. Whether it's the nostalgic charm of "Sholay" or the modern take on Holi in "Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani," these movies continue to be cherished by audiences and serve as a reminder of the joy and vibrancy associated with the festival of colors.
So, this Holi, why not celebrate with a Bollywood movie marathon and immerse yourself in the magic and splendor of these iconic films? Let the colors on the screen ignite the festive spirit within you as you dance, sing, and revel in the joyous celebration of Holi.