Nothing can complete the Mumbai monsoons the way a Bollywood song does. Over the years, the Hindi film industry has come up with several gems that make the city's rains even more special. Romance is perhaps best captured in the rains - after all, who is not familiar with the whole hero-meets-heroine-and-the-couple-get-drenched-in-the-rain sequence? So even as couples continue to flock Marine Drive in the rains, we bring you some chartbusters that enhance the Mumbai monsoon experience and take it to another level altogether...
Pyar hua ikraar hua from Shree 420 (1955): It is perhaps the most memorable rain song in Bollywood. The song is picturised on Raj Kapoor and Nargis, who were rumoured to be in love for real with each other. The image of the couple gazing at one another under an umbrella remains one of Hindi cinema's loveliest moments. The song was composed by Shankar Jaikishen and sung by Manna Dey and Lata Mangeshkar.
Sawan barse tarse dil from Dahek (1999): Dahek, a Hindu-Muslim romance, starring Akshaye Khanna and Sonali Bendre, may not have been a hit, but its song, Saawan barse tarse dil, about a newly-dating couple anxious to see each other in the rain is well-known. Composed by Anand-Milind and sung by Hariharan and Sadhana Sargam, it's a perfect melody to listen to in the rains.
Rimjhim ke tarane lekar aai Barsaat from Kala Bazar (1960): Here the evergreen hero Dev Anand and Waheeda Rehman walk through the streets of Mumbai as they share an umbrella. The song was sung by Mohammed Rafi and Geeta Dutt and it was composed by the legendary SD Burman.
Rimjhim girey saawan from Manzil (1979): Any discussion on melodies based on Mumbai monsoons would be incomplete without this song. Amitabh Bachchan and Moushumi Chatterjee star in this song that has been shot in south Mumbai, against the backdrop of old Victorian buildings, open grounds and the Marine Drive promenade. Sung by Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar, the song has been composed by RD Burman.
Tum jo mil gaye ho from Hanste Zakhm (1973): The magic of Mohammed Rafi, romance and rain can be a heady one. Picturised on Navin Nischal and Priya Rajvanshi, this 70s film became popular thanks to this song. This song has been composed by Madan Mohan.
Aaj rapat jaaye toh from Namak Halal (1982): Who would have thought that Smita Patil had it in her to dance in such an uninhibited fashion. The pairing of Amitabh Bachchan and the late Smita Patil may have been slightly unusual, but they managed to pull off this romp in the rain admirably. The song, composed by Bappi Lahiri, has been sung by Asha Bhosle and Kishore Kumar.
Lagi aaj sawan ki from Chandni (1989): Nostalgia and wishful thinking collide around the cascading santoor and Suresh Wadkar's voice in Shiv-Hari's popular creation, Lagi aaj sawaan. The sight of Sridevi soaked in a sari touches a painful chord with Vinod Khanna, bringing back memories of his dead girlfriend (Juhi Chawla), and their common love for dancing in the rain.
Behta hai man kahi from Chameli (2004): This Sandesh Shandilya composition features Sunidhi Chauhan's voice and has been picturised on lead actress Kareena Kapoor and her co-star, Rahul Bose. The song can easily be described as beautifully intoxicating. Kareena, of course, is at her sensuous best, as she sways to the music. The film, directed by Sudhir Mishra, is best known for this song.
Hum Tum from Hum Tum (2004): Kunal Kohli creates rain magic in this song that showcases the sizzling chemistry between Saif Ali Khan and Rani Mukerji. Jatin-Lalit's title track, sung by Alka Yagnik and Babul Supriyo, for this film is indeed soulful music. Set against the backdrop of cascading rain, this romantic number is also the film's title track
Geela geela paani from Satya (1998): Interspersed with sounds of the rain, this song, sung by Lata Mangeshkar, has Urmila Matondkar in it. Reuniting Vishal Bharadwaj and Gulzar, this song rightfully deserves a place on this list. Lata Mangeshkar makes the song haunting and beautiful at the same time. Moreover, a sari-clad Urmila, despite not being in a glamorous avatar here, sizzles all through.
Ek ladki bheegi bhaagi si from Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi: Completely drenched Madhubala arrives for getting her car repaired by Kishore Kumar. The latter is at his flirty best teasing her through this song while repairing the car. Ek ladki bheegi bhaagi si from the 1958-cult classic Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi is full of rain, beauty, wit and romance. The beautiful composition of SD Burman and lyrics by Majrooh Sultanpuri is the icing on the cake.
Dum Dum Digha from Chhalia: Raj Kapoor celebrates the joy of rains through his fun song sung to perfection by Mukesh with music by Kalyanji Anandji. While others are busy pulling out their umbrellas and run for shelter, Raj Kapoor enjoys the moment in this this eternal black-and-white.
Taal se Taal Mila from Taal: Everything about this song is beautiful. The title song of the Subhash Ghai directorial is one of the best melodious rain song from Bollywood. Dressed in a white outfit, Aishwarya Rai dances her best with the lush greenery and heavy rains giving her the best company. The chartbuster song was penned by Anand Bakshi with music given by A.R Rahman.
Koi Ladki hain from Dil toh Pagal Hain: Dil to Pagal Hai was a big musical hit. Koi Ladki Hain was the best among the lot. Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit enjoying in the rain with a few dozen kids around them and dancing to the choreography of Shiamak Davar is a treat to watch. Uttam Singh’s zingy music and Lata Mangeshkar/Udit Narayan's melodious voices helped create this vivacious yet innocent rainy number.
Tip Barsa Pani from Mohra: How could this song just not be in the list for top Bollywood Rain songs? This sizzling 90s number is still fondly remembered for its rhythmic beats and Raveena Tandon looking her best. The sizzling Raveena drenched in yellow saree makes this a magical rainy song. Her chemistry with Akshay Kumar took this song to another level.
Rimjim Rimjin from 1942: A Love Story: Another melodious 90s rain song. Rimjim Rimjim expresses the prim and soft romance between Manisha Koirala and Anil Kapoor. The beautiful song was penned by Javed Akhtar with music by none other than RD Burman. This movie was the legendary composer's last film as he died just before the release of the film. It posthumously won him the third and last of his Filmfare Awards.
Barso Re from Guru: Barso Re from the 2007 hit film Guru captures the rain soaked lush green farms of villages in Kerala to perfection. A completely drenched Aishwarya Rai adds beauty to the song through her sensuous dance. Barso Re is yet another AR Rahman's best composition. Shreya Ghoshal’s voice adds to the magic of A R Rahman’s music.
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