6 iconic Holi looks from films that made us fans forever

The festival of colours has long made its way into Bollywood films and songs, making them iconic in all its extravagance and vibrancy. Cult classics like Sholay and Silsila pioneered the trend of celebrating Holi through song and dance and making it an intrinsic part of the films that became ingrained in our minds forever. The songs, dialogues, and looks became an expression of love, celebration, and joy. Over the years, the trend evolved into portrayals of the modern-day festival featuring discotheque music, thandai, denim shorts, white kurtas, and more. From Amitabh Bachhan’s white, cotton kurta splashed with colours in Rang Barse to Deepika Padukone’s white denim shorts in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, these are some of the most iconic Holi looks from the films we love. 

Hema Malini and Dharmendra in Sholay 

Hema Malini is dressed in a bright purple choli. Multiple strings of gajra tie up her hair into a beautiful braid. Dharmendra, like his usual quirky self, wears a white, polo tee with a dupatta tied around the waist in usual Bollywood style. The song, Holi ke Din comes as a relief in the midst of high drama in the film and fills the screen with celebratory energy, colours, and dance. The intensity of the drama peaks after, when Gabbar descends into Ramgarh. 

Rekha and Amitabh Bacchan in Silsila

Who can forget Bachchan’s baritone as he nonchalantly begins singing the famous Rang Barse? Dressed in simple white kurtas, Rekha and Amitabh Bachchan remain icons of Holi scenes in Bollywood. The 1981 film, Silsila, directed by Yash Chopra tells the story of two lovers, torn apart because of familial obligations. A Holi party would be incomplete without this song, which is a joyous expression of love, in its flirtatious dance sequences and more. 

Deepika Padukone in Ram Leela 

Lahu Munh Laga Gaya from the Sanjay Leela Bhansali-directed film Ram Leela is a classy and sexy expression of love through the festival of colours. Deepika Padukone, dressed in a stunning black, white and red lehenga paired perfectly with her chandbalis (crescent-shaped earrings), plays ras garba with a burst of pink, purple, and blue hues in the background while Ranveer watches on. The song is filled with an eclectic play of colours, intense eye contact, and choreography that has our hearts.

Deepika Padukone in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani 

“Kaun Chashmiiiish?” a changed Naina Talwar screams as she sprays freezing water on her friends, calling them to play Holi. The iconic orange-red shirt with white denim shorts that she wore during the song Balam Pichkari will forever be remembered. The song celebrates love, excitement, and great energy in a myriad colours as Ranbir Kapoor and Deepika Padukone take centre stage, dancing the day (and night away) and occasionally sipping on bhang making it an inspiration for every Holi party since. 

Alia Bhatt in Badrinath Ki Dulhania 

“Bura na mano, Holi Hain!”—In true-blue Bollywood style, Varun Dhawan and Alia Bhatt celebrate Holi like it should be—in all its colourful extravagance, thumkas, and what not. Alia Bhatt wears a bright yellow, mirror- embellished lehenga that enhances the colourfully powdered sets of the song, Badri Ki Dulhaniya. We love the play of colours, and would be ever-ready to dance to it. 

Sonam Kapoor and Dhanush in Raanjhanaa

One of the most memorable scenes of the song Tum Tak is when Sonam Kapoor, dressed in a simple salwar kurta, applies colour to Dhanush's character on the occasion of Holi. The song brings forth a different side to the much-adored festival rooted in love, warmth, and a unique kind of intimacy that is not usually seen.