Holi Bollywood Facts: India’s First Holi Song Began Before Independence

 Holi songs have become a tradition in Bollywood films today. Filled with colors, gulal, drums, and fun, these songs create a festive atmosphere in films. But few people know that Holi songs began in Hindi cinema even before independence. The credit for this goes to renowned filmmaker Mehboob Khan, who first brought the colors of Holi to the silver screen.

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The first Holi song came in 1940 (First Holi Song in Bollywood)

Released in 1940 (Aurat 1940 Film), the film Aurat (Mehboob Khan Aurat) holds a special place in the history of Hindi cinema. The first Holi song was filmed in this film—"Aaj Holi Khelenge Sajan Ke Sang song." This song became very popular during that era. Significantly, films were still in black and white at the time, but Mehboob Khan beautifully captured this festival of colors on screen. Anil Biswas sang and composed the music for this song. Safdar Aah wrote the lyrics. This was a unique experiment of that era, laying the foundation for the tradition of Holi songs in Bollywood.

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Two Holi songs in one film (Bollywood Holi Songs History)

Another special feature of the film Aurat was that it included not one, but two Holi songs. The second song was "Jamuna Tat Par Holi Khelat Shyam." The lyrics were written by Vinay Bihari. Both songs became extremely popular with audiences at the time. This was the first time a traditional festival like Holi was depicted in such detail in a film. Mehboob Khan proved through this film that Indian festivals could be beautifully portrayed in cinema.

'Aurat' was made before independence

Aurat was released in 1940, seven years before India's independence. The film starred Sardar Akhtar, Surendra, Yakub, Kanhaiyalal, and Arun Kumar Ahuja. The music was composed by Anil Biswas, and the dialogues were written by Wajahat Mirza. The film not only touched upon social issues but also highlighted Indian culture and festivals. This is why it is considered a classic of Indian cinema.

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The tradition of Holi songs continues

After Aurat, a wave of Holi songs began in Bollywood. Over time, many memorable Holi songs emerged, which have found a special place in the hearts of audiences.

As-

• “Colors Barse” (Series)

• “Hearts bloom on Holi” (Sholay)

• "Raghuvira plays Holi" (Baghban)

• "Balam Pichkari" ( This youth is crazy )

• “Do me a favor, let's play Holi” (Waqt)

These songs made Holi an integral part of films. Today, the festival of Holi seems incomplete without these songs.

The introduction of color in cinema

Although films were still black and white at the time, Mehboob Khan brought the spirit of color and celebration to life on screen through Holi. Later, with the advent of color films, Holi songs became even grander and more captivating.

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FAQs

Which was the first Holi song of Hindi cinema?

Answer: The first Holi song of Hindi cinema was “Aaj Holi Khelenge Sajan Ke Sang”, which was filmed in the film Aurat released in 1940.

When was the film 'Aurat' released?

Answer: The film Aurat was released in the year 1940, that is, before India's independence.

Who was the director of the film 'Aurat'?

Answer: This film was directed by famous filmmaker Mehboob Khan .

Who was the composer and singer of the first Holi song?

Answer: The song "Aaj Holi Khelenge Saajan Ke Sang" was sung and composed by Anil Biswas. The lyrics were written by Safdar Aah.

Was there more than one Holi song in the film 'Aurat'?

Answer: Yes, there were two Holi songs in this film – “Aaj Holi khelenge saajan ke sang” and “Jamuna taat par Holi khelat Shyam.”