Have you ever noticed how in the West they always sing songs about the summer and the sun; while we here celebrate the rains? Think of all that we associate with the rains in India: that matchless perfume of the parched earth soaking up those first drops of rain (saundhi khushboo), the wonderful feeling of the delicious raindrops rinsing the dust and the heat from the skin, the utterly beautiful music that is the sound of falling rain… each sense is gladdened and delighted when the rain comes. With temperatures soaring this year, and drought in many parts of the country, is it any wonder that these songs are at the forefront of everyone’s minds?
Barso re megha megha
Playful, joyous and ebullient, this song from Guru encapsulates the deeply affectionate relationship each of us has with the rains; the A R Rahman song is all about just how happy the rain makes us.
Saawan ke jhoole pade
This is the archetypal song of love and longing picturised on Rakee and Amitabh Bachchan in the film Jurmaana. The melody is haunting and the lyrics evocative of the stormy weather as she beseeches her beloved to come to her. If you haven’t heard this song yet, you can here.
Ghanana Ghanana
This song from Lagaan encapsulates the eager anticipation with which we long for the rains and how bereft we feel when those clouds dissipate without showering those cooling, nourishing drops on us. Especially true for drought hit areas, just like Bhuwan’s village in the film.
Kya Mausam Hai (Chal kahin door nikal jaayen)
If ever there was a song that welcomed the cool wind that precedes the rain; that described the feeling that overcomes us making us want to pack up to head to the hills, it is this one. Listen to this unforgettable melody from Doosra Aadmi.
Ek ladki bheegi bhaagi si
This old song is all about the playful innocence of a sweet love story starting out against the backdrop of the rainy, stormy night. if you belong to a generation that never heard this song, hear it now; see the beautiful Madhubala and that genius Kishore Kumar.
Bole re papihara
The joy of a thousand talent shows, this classical based song from Guddi speaks of the cuckoo’s (koel) longing for the rains rather like the longing of unrequited love as in this song.
Behne De Mujhe Behne De
While not a song about the rain, this song from Raavan is all about being languorously carried away by the water, about the undercurrent of passion beneath the friction; the way we love a stormy night.
Ab tum hi ho
Probably one of the most evocative rain songs of recent times, this song from Aashiqui 2 became the anthem of an entire generation of young lovers. Listen here.
Rimjhim Rimjhim
From the movie 1942 A Love Story this is a sweet song that encapsulates why the rains are such an important device for couples to fall in love…. In Bollywood films anyway!
Jalta hai jiya mora bheegi bheegi raton mein
This song from Zakhmee is all about the playfulness and mischievousness that we associate with the rains; a time when everyone is forgiven for being a lighthearted child once again!
Author – Reena Daruwalla
