Singin’ in the rain

There’s something about the rains that tugs at heartstrings. The pitter-patter, the petrichor and the revitalised greenery evoke a range of emotions. As the monsoon skies open up, Aniruddha Biswas chooses a timeless playlist for Bolly lovers.

Roop Tera Mastana:

Aradhana (1969)

This one had all the ingredients of unbridled passion — rain, thunder, a fireplace, a young couple. Lovebirds Rajesh Khanna and Sharmila Tagore turn on the heat in this cult Kishore Kumar track. SD Burman and Anand Bakshi collaborate to make this one an anthem for the generations.
 
Rimjhim Girey Saawan:

Manzil (1979)

Bombay never looked better than in this Pancham Da number. Amitabh Bachchan serenades his lady love Moushumi Chatterjee through the waterlogged landmarks. An iconic monsoon melody with lyrics by Yogesh and sung by Lata Mangeshkar.

Kaate Nahin Kat Te: 

Mr India (1987)

An essential antaakshari song, this one will be forever remembered for Sridevi trying to seduce Anil Kapoor in a wet see-through blue sari. Kishore Da teams up with Alisha Chinai in this rainy romance. Composed by Laxmikant-Pyarelal, it was penned by Javed Akhtar.
 
 

Tip Tip Barsa Paani: 

Mohra (1994)

This had set the screen on fire way back in the ‘90s - ravishing Raveena in a wet sari, a dashing Akshay Kumar and the opening rhythmic beats set the tone. Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik sound perfect. Viju Shah’s music continues to spawn remixes of this number till this day.
 
 

Hum Tum: 

Hum Tum (2004)

A melodious song, a must-have on your playlist on a rain-soaked afternoon. Babul Supriyo and Alka Yagnik do an excellent job with the vocals. Jatin-Lalit as composers and Prasoon Joshi’s lyrics makes it an immortal creation.

Gulabi: Shuddh Desi Romance (2013)

A tribute to Jaipur, the Pink City, which is also the film’s backdrop. Jigar Saraiya and Priya Saraiya belt out this very hummable soft mushy number. A dewy track with superb musical arrangements by Sachin-Jigar and composed by Jaideep Sahni, the folkish feel is enough to keep it on repeat mode.

Wo Lamhe Wo Baatein:

Zeher (2005)

Atif Aslam’s powerful vocals give a ghazal feel to the track. It had topped the charts that year and is still a huge favourite. A high-pitched song that has passion written all over it. The music was recreated by Mithun and Naresh Sharma and boy have they scored!

Tum hi ho

Aashiqui 2 (2013)

Composer-lyricist Mithoon and Arijit made sure this one went on to become the anthem of the nation. A hauntingly spellbinding track, Aditya Roy Kapur and Shraddha Kapoor look amazing in the rain, a throwback to the earlier Aashiqui (1990). Dim the lights, put it on loop and be transported. This one is pure passion and is bound to resonate through the ages. Period. 

O Meri Jaan

Life in a... Metro (2007)

KK at his flamboyant best in this eternal gem. Lyricist Sandeep Srivastava and Pritam keep us transfixed on this magical number. A winner all the way. Perfect for those long drives on rain-soaked streets.

Baarish

Half Girlfriend (2017)

Ash King & Shashaa Tirupati have lent their voice to this silken tune. Composed by Tanishq Bagchi and written by Arafat Mehmood & Tanishk, there is an extensive use of santoor in the track. A soft hummable number! 

Kabhi jo baadal barse

Jackpot (2013)

Arijit again…the man who can’t go wrong it seems. The music by Sharib and Toshi, and lyrics by Turaz and Azeem Shirazi make sure this is a winner all the way. The other takeway from this one is of course Sunny Leone looking as good as she always does.

Some all-time greats

Tum Se Hi: Jab We Met (2007)
Bhage Re Man: Chameli (2004)
Mere Khawabon Mein Jo Aaye: Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge (1995)
Laga Laga Laga Re: Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya (2005)
Barsaat Ke Mausam Mein: Naajayaz (1995)
Jaane Do Naa: Saagar (1985)