As March arrives, everyone is eager to burst with colors. People prepare their color water balloons as if channeling Gabbar Singh's iconic question: 'When is Holi? When is Holi?' This festival's deep link with Hindi films makes it impossible to speak of Holi without mentioning filmy dialogues or songs.
An entire generation had their Holi season start with Doordarshan's 'Rangoli' playing 'Are Ja Re Hat Natkhat'. For many, the first image of Holi comes from the iconic 'Navrang' song from 1959. The more recent 'Tere Rang' from 'Atrangi Re' (2021) and the holi song 'Jai Jai Shivshankar' from 'War' (2019) also gained immense popularity.
Source: aajtak
Holi on the big screen is seen in myriad hues. The first talkie from India, 'Alam Ara' in 1931, marked the debut of songs in Hindi films. This same year, the film 'Ghar Ki Lakshmi' featured a Holi song titled 'Mope Dar Gayo Saari Rang Ki Gagar'. However, audio or video of this song is not found, but similar lyrics can be heard in 'Saari Daali Dai Mope Rang Ki Gagar' from the 1980 film 'Payal Ki Jhankar'.
Holi in Hindi Cinema
Classic films have featured colorful Holi celebrations since as early as 1931 with 'Ghar Ki Lakshmi', although the oldest available Holi song is from 'Aurat' (1940). Mehboob Khan's film tells the tale of a courageous mother who sacrifices her son. 'Aurat' included two Holi songs: ‘Jamuna Tat Shyam Khele Hori’ and ‘Aaj Holi Khelenge Sajan Ke Sang’. Speaking of ‘Aurat’, it's noteworthy that its remake, 'Mother India' (1957), was the first Indian film nominated for an Oscar. Its hero, Arun Kumar Ahuja, is the father of Govinda, a popular 90s star.
Source: aajtak
Holi in cinema has followed two main trends: it featured in songs to depict the celebration or romantic allure, but over time, it started being used for dramatic plot twists. Let's dive into films where Holi brought unexpected turns...
Fagun (1973)
Shanta Damle (Waheeda Rehman), the daughter of a businessman, marries a writer Gopal (Dharmendra), from a lower status. Gopal returns to surprise Shanta amidst Holi celebrations singing 'Piya Sang Khelo Hori, Fagun Aayo Re'. Shanta’s response, influenced by her sense of class, leads to Gopal leaving again. Her words, ‘What right do you have to ruin something so expensive I got myself?’ leave a lasting imprint.
Source: aajtak
'Fagun' is a remarkable story, with Dharmendra showcasing his acting prowess in the Holi sequence. Waheeda’s expressions post-separation evoke empathy.
Kati Patang (1970)
This Ashok Parekh and Rajesh Khanna film spins a tale of mistaken identity and tragedy. At a crucial moment, Rajesh Khanna sings 'Aaj Na Chhodenge', applying Holi color to a widow-to-be, Asha, feeling torn yet joyful. The confrontation with her father-in-law sets the climax in motion.
Source: aajtak
Actor Nazir Hussain questions her actions, saying, 'How can a father-in-law sleep soundly if a young daughter-in-law celebrates outside?' This dialogue propels the story forward as the truth gradually unfolds.
Sholay (1975)
The iconic film 'Sholay' has one of the most memorable Holi sequences. From Gabbar’s ‘When’s Holi’ to Thakur’s tragic tale, the festival sets the stage for key developments. Jay and Veeru meet Gabbar, Thakur and Radha’s feelings surface, and Thakur’s back story reveals itself.
Silsila (1981)
Yash Chopra’s film with Amitabh Bachchan, Jaya Bachchan, and Rekha had everyone buzzing. On Holi, Amitabh and Rekha rekindle chemistry with 'Rang Barse Bhege Chunar Wali', while Jaya observes, 'Why does Holi bring back the first love?' Rekha counters, 'In this nation, a husband is not a lover.' Sanjeev Kumar’s character remarks, 'When the past becomes part of today, lives are destroyed.' An intense Holi scene indeed!
Source: aajtak
Damini (1993)
Damini (Meenakshi Seshadri) celebrates her first Holi at her husband Shekhar’s (Rishi Kapoor) home when she witnesses her brother-in-law assault the housemaid, Urmi. Previously instructed by her mother-in-law, ‘The family's honor is in your hands now', Damini sets off the film’s intense narrative.
Source: aajtak
This plot twist during Holi lays the groundwork for the rest of the story, where Sunny Deol famously erupts about 'dates' in court. This sequence is unique for its lack of a formal song, relying solely on music.
Darr (1993)
For Holi enthusiasts, 1993 wasn't cheerful. In ‘Darr', Shahrukh Khan’s obsessive lover character delivers chilling lines, 'I'll come tomorrow, it’s Holi. I'll play with colors, see how they look on your cheeks!' This sequence marks a new era where Holi could symbolize danger.
Source: aajtak
Jolly LLB (2017)
Aspiring lawyer Jolly (Akshay Kumar) dupes Hina Siddiqui (Sayani Gupta) searching for justice for her murdered husband. The Holi scene shows Jolly’s truth being exposed, leading Hina to exclaim, 'Don’t want your money... Want justice, can you give it?'
Source: aajtak
Her demand sets the film’s tone, leading Jolly on a quest for truth. This remains a crucial Holi sequence with a twist, conveying sincerity and moral dilemmas.
From 'Darr' to 'Jolly LLB', Holi’s portrayal often centered on fun celebrations or love stories in Hindi cinema, as seen in ‘Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani’s ‘Balam Pichkari’ or 'Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela’s intense chemistry. ‘War’ featured Hrithik Roshan and Tiger Shroff’s ‘Jai Jai Shiv Shankar’, a rare male-centric Holi dance without an actress. Bollywood fans eagerly await the next creative twist involving Holi.
