Deepika Padukone Loves Ranbir’s “Balam Pichkari,” the Song That Makes Young Girls Sway

In the film Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor brought such infectious energy to the song Balam Pichkari that it has become an iconic Holi anthem for today’s youth. Speaking about the song during one Holi celebration, Deepika had said, “I love this song too. Whenever I hear it playing on Holi, I can’t help but sway to it. I know that at any Holi event, as soon as this song plays, girls start dancing as if they are Deepika Padukone.” Saying this, she even hummed the opening lines, which she remembered by heart: (Deepika Padukone on Balam Pichkari Holi song)

"Balam pichkari jo tune mujhe maari
To seedhi saadi chhori sharabi ho gayi
Haan jeans pehen ke jo tune maare thumke
To lattu padosan ki bhabhi ho gayi.”

“Though I don’t personally play Holi,” she clarified. “But this song plays at my home too. When I hear it amidst people celebrating Holi, I feel extremely thrilled. It feels wonderful. I believe this is my contribution to Holi.”

Deepika has played Holi on screen many times, drenching herself fully in colors. Coincidentally, she has been the “Holi girl” opposite both the Ranveers—Ranveer Singh and Ranbir Kapoor—both youth icons of today. She admits, “The Holi you see on screen is not the real Holi we experience while shooting. On screen, the entire song appears within three or four minutes, and people only see the fun. But in reality, filming such scenes takes hours and days… we sweat it out. Each line is shot in fragments. There’s no real fun—our minds are focused on hard work. There are hundreds of people on set. Getting drenched often makes us fall sick. After ‘Balam Pichkari,’ I actually fell ill. During the shooting of Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela, I completed my shots despite being unwell. Audiences look for romance in our songs, while we are busy catching our breath.” (Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani Holi song popularity)

It’s another matter that during Holi, boys and girls imagine themselves in the place of Ranbir and Deepika, wanting to relive the joy of “Balam Pichkari.” But in reality, the original performers of such songs rarely get to enjoy a carefree Holi themselves. Deepika admits she truly enjoyed filming with Ranveer Singh for the powerful track “Lahu Munh Lag Gaya… Nas Nas Mein Jag Gaya.” The song was musically strong, yet until the shoot, she didn’t even know its deeper meaning. When someone asked her about it later, her response was simply: “Sanjay Leela Bhansali.” He was both the director and music composer of the film—when it comes to someone as unparalleled as him, what more is there to ask? This is often the case with major actors who place complete trust in their directors. (Iconic Bollywood Holi songs for today’s generation)

As far as Holi and Deepika are concerned, she appears completely at ease celebrating it on screen but maintains distance from playing it in real life. Regarding the controversy around a song from her film Pathaan, she has always chosen silence. “Holi is a festival of joy. Whether discussing Holi or dancing at a celebration, it should only be about fun and happiness.” (Balam Pichkari song impact on Holi celebrations)

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FAQ

1. Why is Balam Pichkari considered a Holi anthem?

Balam Pichkari is considered a Holi anthem because of its vibrant music, energetic choreography, and the electrifying chemistry between Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor, making it a staple at Holi celebrations.

2. Which movie features the song Balam Pichkari?

The song Balam Pichkari is featured in the Bollywood film Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013).

3. Who starred in the Balam Pichkari song?

The song features Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor in lead roles, whose performance made it immensely popular among youth.

4. What did Deepika Padukone say about Balam Pichkari?

Deepika Padukone shared that she loves the song and can’t resist dancing whenever she hears it during Holi celebrations.

5. Why is Balam Pichkari popular among today’s youth?

Its upbeat tempo, fun lyrics, colorful visuals, and relatable college-festival vibe make it especially popular among young audiences.