10 Popular Bollywood Holi Songs

Holi signifies colors, vibrancy, enjoyment, and joy. This distinctive Indian festival of colors shares a special connection with Bollywood. Holi is a festival that has been prominently featured by most filmmakers in Bollywood, from Mehboob Khan (Aurat & Mother India) in the ’50s to Ramesh Sippy in the ’70s (Sholay), Yash Chopra (Silsila & Darr) in the late ’80s & ’90s to Ayan Mukerji (YJHD) among the current generation. Many talented directors have included a Holi song in their filmography. Here are the top 10 famous Bollywood Holi songs that have and will always be a part of your playlist, capturing the essence of lively fun and frolic.

1. Rang Barse – The Last Iconic Pairing of Amitabh and Rekha

Movie: Silsila
Year: 1981
Music: Shiv-Hari (Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma & Hariprasad Chaurasia)
Singer: Amitabh Bachchan
Lyrics: Dr. Harivansh Rai Bachchan

Cine-lovers have never witnessed the iconic duo of Amitabh and Rekha grace the screen again! What an extraordinary exit. Like a contemporary depiction of Lord Krishna and Radha, Amit and Chandni playfully immersed themselves in smearing each other with Holi colors, completely oblivious to the society around them. The Holi festival carries the essence of Radha-Krishna love, and this song embodies the same fervor, intoxication, and carefree nature of love. Celebrating Holi is incomplete without playing this iconic song.

2. Holi Ke Din – Sholay

Movie: Sholay
Year: 1975
Music: R. D. Burman
Singers: Kishore Kumar & Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

In India, not a soul is unfamiliar with the title of this film. Whether newborns or millennials, Sholay is a lesson passed down by the elders—an integral part of Bollywood’s heritage. The movie also includes a Holi song, where villagers are depicted joyfully celebrating the festival. However, following the song, the group of dacoits led by Gabbar Singh descends to plunder the wealth of the people.

3. Soni Soni – Mohabbatein

Movie: Mohabbatein
Year: 2000
Music: Jatin-Lalit
Singers: Udit Narayan, Sonali Bhatawdekar, Ishaan Dev, Pritha Mazumdar, Jaspinder Narula, Udhbav Ohja, Shweta Pandit, & Manohar Shetty
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

Three distinct couples, each embodying a unique interpretation of love, revel in the vibrant festival of togetherness. The King of Romance, SRK, dances with his students and other residents of the locale in a spectacular show. This song is ideal for playing on Holi, especially if you’ve gathered all your college or school friends. Witness people filling their hearts with “Bhaang.” Play this song, dance wholeheartedly, and indulge in some “Bhaang” for an unforgettable celebration.

4. Balam Pichkari – Yej Jawani Hai Deewani

Movie: Yej Jawani Hai Deewani
Year: 2013
Music: Pritam
Singers: Shalmali Kholgade & Vishal Dadlani
Lyrics: Amitabh Bhattacharya

The beats and lyrics of this song transport you back to the retro and classic dance steps of Bollywood. The thumkas and pelvic thrusts offer an opportunity for some fantastic Insta Boomerang videos. It swept the entire nation by storm, and every time this song plays, you genuinely sense the intoxication of the air. Hence, it stands as the New Age Holi Classic song, reaching the heights of the iconic “Rang Barse.” With elements of lively friendship, intoxicating bhaang, and incredible dance moves, this song earns a spot on everyone’s playlist.

5. Holi Khele Raghuveera – Baghban

Movie: Baghban
Year: 2003
Music: Lt. Aadesh Shrivastav
Singers: Udit Narayan, Amitabh Bachchan, Sukhwinder Singh, & Alka Yagnik
Lyrics: Sameer

This song beautifully showcases three generations dancing together, providing a perfect portrayal of typical Indian families. The entire family gathering to celebrate significant occasions, enjoying sumptuous food, desserts, and drinks is a common sight. The song also symbolizes timeless love between the elderly couple portrayed by Amitabh Bachchan & Hema Malini. So, play this song and invite all your family members to the lawn for Holi celebrations and dance together.

6. Aaj Na Chhodenge – Kati Patang

Movie: Kati Patang
Year: 1971
Music: R.D. Burman
Singers: Kishore Kumar & Lata Mangeshkar
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

In this renowned Holi song, Rajesh Khanna showcases his playful demeanor, while Asha Parekh embodies her demure persona. The song challenges the customs of an older India where widows were excluded from most festivals. Despite Asha Parekh’s character, Madhavi, being hesitant to join the Holi festivities, her lover Kamal, played by Rajesh Khanna, refuses to adhere to age-old traditions. The cool and casual lyrics beautifully capture the passion of love, and Burman’s melodious music adds a classic touch to the composition.

7. Do Me A Favor – Waqt

Movie: Waqt
Year: 2005
Music: Anu Malik
Singers: Anu Malik & Sunidhi Chauhan
Lyrics: Sameer

Anu Malik’s distinctive voice adds an extra layer of excitement to this song, complemented by Sunidhi Chauhan’s playful rendition. Beautifully filmed on Akshay Kumar and Priyanka Chopra, the song unfolds on a boat. The lyrics seamlessly blend Hindi and English, and the fast beats make it a favorite among the younger audience. A Holi celebration at your place is incomplete without the vibrancy of this awesome song.

8. Ang Se Ang Lagana – Darr

Movie: Darr
Year: 1993
Music: Shiv-Hari
Singers: Vinod Rathod, Alka Yagnik, Sudesh Bhosle, & Devki Pandit
Lyrics: Anand Bakshi

A delightful Holi song that should never be overlooked. Yash Chopra skillfully explored both the simplicity and passion of love in this composition. In the movie, you witness the ardent and assertive efforts of Rahul Mehra, played by SRK, to catch a glimpse of his ladylove Kiran, portrayed by Juhi Chawla. Therefore, when organizing a Holi get-together for all couples, this song is a must-have on your playlist.

9. Lahu Muh Lag Gaya – Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela

Movie: Goliyon Ki Rasleela Ram-Leela
Year: 2013
Music: Sanjay Leela Bhansali
Singers: Shail Hada & Osman Mir
Lyrics: Siddharth-Garima

Aware of their enmity, they find themselves irresistibly drawn to each other. Love, in this context, is intense, passionate, and courageous. The song captures the initial encounter of Ram and Leela, belonging to families with a longstanding rivalry. Experiencing “love at first sight,” Ram and Leela engage in playful teasing reminiscent of Lord Krishna and Radha. The exceptional cinematography by Ravi Varman, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s artistic vision, and the splendid dance direction by Samir and Arsh Tanna collectively make this song truly “unforgettable.”

10. Badri Ki Dulhaniya – The Fun Holi Song

Movie: Badrinath ki Dulhaniya
Year: 2017
Music: Tanishk Bagchi
Singers: Dev Negi, Neha Kakkar, Monali Thakur, & Ikka
Lyrics: Shabbir Ahmed

This latest Bollywood track has secured its place in the Top 10 Famous Bollywood Holi Songs. It showcases the current sensations of Bollywood – Varun Dhawan & Alia Bhatt. The song exudes a cool quotient, making it a hit among the younger audience who find it truly “happening.” The catchy tune is hummable and irresistibly draws people to the dance floor. If you or any of your friends are partaking in a Dance Competition during Holi, consider building the choreography around this vibrant song.