During the monsoon season in Goa, rain songs naturally emerge. The rainfall is intense, lasting over four months and reminiscent of the "Chaumasa" period when wandering saints would settle in caves like Ajanta or Barabar. The sound of rain can be so overpowering that it drowns out all other noises, allowing for introspection and emotional reflection. Hindi films have effectively captured the diverse emotions associated with the monsoon season, including childhood playfulness, love, longing, and anticipation for the good life that comes with the rain.

Popular Rain Songs from Bollywood

1. Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhagi Si – Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi 1958

With all his characteristic madness, Kishore Kumar performs a classic song that is inspired by the rain-soaked Madhubala. Although the song is about a girl caught in the rain at night, the focus is primarily on Kishore Kumar, who plays music with his tools as a mechanic. While the girl is only briefly glimpsed, the music composed by S D Burman is truly admirable.

2. Dum Dum Diga Diga – Chhalia 1960

With music composed by Kalyanji Anandji, Mukesh sings a delightful song that celebrates the happiness brought by the rain. In the classic black and white music video, Raj Kapoor showcases his iconic style, leaping around as women hurriedly gather dry clothes from the clothesline and people scramble to grab their umbrellas and find shelter. This timeless song perfectly captures the exhilaration that accompanies the first rainfall. 

3. O Sajna Barkha Bahar Aayi – Parakh 1960

Transporting you to realistic rainy days, this black and white rain song features Sadhana standing on her balcony, gazing at the rain, and reminiscing about her beloved. As she speaks to him, she remarks that the rain has filled her heart with love. The song is subtle, with rain falling gently on leaves, roads, and rooftops in the background.

4. Zindagi Bhar Nahi Bhoolegi Wo Barsat Ki Raat 1960

Despite consisting of only two frames and no rain, each poetic word in this scene is dedicated to a rendezvous with a lover on a stormy, rainy night, with a detailed account of every moment spent together. Communication is facilitated through the radio, with Bharat Bhushan, or rather Mohd Rafi, singing at the radio station while Madhubala reenacts the moments with her expressions.

5. Lakhon Ka Sawan Jaye – Roti, Kapda Aur Makan – 1974

The song portrays the emotions of couples who are forced to stay apart during the rainy season, evoking a sense of separation known as Viraha that arises from a feeling of powerlessness. Despite the use of rustic language by Zeenat Aman, what stands out for me is the part where Lata Mangeshkar sings, "Abbar pe hai racha swayamvar," with her ubiquitous voice.

6. Lagi Aaj Saawan Ki Fir Wo Jhadi – Chandni 1989

The rain song evokes a hauntingly melancholic mood, resonating with memories of the past linked with rain. It feels like a journey back in time, but those memories cannot be replicated in the present. There is a contrast between the past and present, with a subtle indication of transitioning from one to the other. Every time I listen to it, it leaves me with a feeling of sadness, although I am unable to identify where exactly it strikes a chord within me.

7. Koi Ladki Hai – Dil To Pagal Hai 1997

The rain song evokes a sense of childlike playfulness that resonates with everyone who experiences the rains. It ignites a desire to stand in the rain, jump in puddles, and dance with abandon, reminiscent of the joyful celebration at the Chikal Kalo Festival in Goa. The song's lyrics are reminiscent of a nursery rhyme, and its choreography is uncomplicated, featuring children as background dancers. The song captures the innocent emotions of discovering affection for someone before realizing the depth of love. Lata Mangeshkar and Udit Narayan perform the song, set to the music of Uttam Singh.

8. Ghanan Ghanan – Lagaan 2001

This song from the film Lagaan uniquely captures the anticipation of rain, and is perhaps the only one to showcase the cultural and socio-economic significance of rain in our lives, particularly for those whose livelihoods depend on agriculture. The lyrics of the song vividly depict the abundance that the rain will bring. Unfortunately, the song ends on a melancholy note as the clouds pass by without raining. As a fan of folk music, this song holds a special place as one of my favorite pre-rain or rain songs.

9. Barso Re Megha – Guru 2007

The film Barson Re Megha portrays the beauty of the monsoon season in South India, showcasing rain-soaked stone temples, overflowing waterfalls, and lush green fields that have been quenched by the rain. However, it seems out of place in a film set in Gujarat. At an emotional level, the film depicts a woman in love experiencing a newfound sense of joy and excitement, willing to do anything for love and blinded by its intensity.

10. Ab Ke Saawan – Shubha Mudgal 1999

Although not featured in a film, this song is a joyous tribute to the rain, with Shubha Mudgal's commanding vocals being the cherry on top.

11. Aaj Rapat Jaye To – Namak Halaal 1982

Although the Mukhda of the song does not mention rain, the stanzas or Antaras do. Moreover, the entire song is filmed in the rain.

12. Megha Re Megha Re – Pyaasa Sawan 1981

The song depicts a scenario where the lovers are captivated by the passing clouds and wish for them to stay and shower them with rain. The clouds comply, and the emotional shift is explored as the desire is fulfilled. The heart is compared to a peacock during rainfall. The melodious voices of Lata Mangeshkar and Suresh Wadkar accompany the music composed by Laxmikant Pyarelal.