Bollywood filmmakers have always been fascinated by the rains and have tried to depict them in a myriad ways. The rain, its sudden arrival, its absence and its analogies have been an element that symbolise every emotion- be it romance, heartbreak, joy or sensuality. Bollywood boosts of a catalogue of some steamy and sleazy rain songs shot with actresses clad in transparent sarees and skimpy clothes.

Anita Iyer picks up a few interesting rain songs which stand out from the number of rain songs in Bollywood.

Pyaar Hua Ikraar hua hai- Shri 420

Pyaar Hua Ikraar hua hai from Shri 420 is probably the first song that comes across our mind when we think of a romantic rain number in Bollywood. Composed by Shankar Jaikishan and rendered by the melodious Lata-Manna Dey jodi, it is a classic song set against the backdrop of rains. Picturised on the adorable duo Raj Kapoor and Nargis, this song still remains fresh in the minds when we see young couples sharing the same umbrella. It seems the makers knew the song would be immortal as you hear the lines- Main na rahoongi, tum na rahoge, phir bhi rahengi nishaniyan,... which seems true as the today's generation also savours this track.

An interesting bit of information about this track- the three schoolchildren strolling in the rain towards the end of the song are Raj Kapoor's own children!

Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si- Chalti ka naam gadi

The evergreen track, Ek Ladki Bheegi Bhaagi Si from the film Chalti ka naam gadi (1958) continues to remain one of best rain songs in Bollywood. Madhubala looks stunning in this cult song picturised on her and it epitomizes her alluring beauty with Kishore Kumar at his comic best. Madhubala looks seductive in this black and white song dressed in a wet sari.

Chalti Ka Naam Gaadi was one the finest comedies ever made and it was the first time Madhubala appeared opposite Kishore Kumar, where she proved her versatility as a comedienne.

Rhimjhim gire sawan- Manzil

Composed again by R D Burman, 'Rimjhim Gire Sawan' was beautifully rendered by Kishore Kumar and Lata for the film Manzil in 1977. The song has two versions, one lip synced by Amitabh Bhachchan at a sangeet ceremony and the second picturised on Amitabh and Moushmi strolling the streets of Mumbai. The video shows the actors walking the streets of Mumbai on a rainy day, watching the video takes us down the memory lane of the Mumbai some decades ago. Covering places like University of Bombay, Churchgate, Marine Drive and Flora Fountain - it is surely a visual treat

Bheegi Bheegi raaton mein- Ajnabee

This track starts with a Bollywood clich?© where the heroine embraces the actor at the sound of thunder. Starring the pretty Zeenat Aman and Rajesh Khanna, it is a decently shot romantic track. Zeenat pumps up the sex quotient by her seductive moves and transparent pink sleepins. Although innumerable remixes have been churned for this track, the original track still holds lot of sanctity and is incomparable. Seeing Zeenat Aman drenched also reminds of the her sexy moves in Haeey haaey yeh majboori' from Roti Kapda Aur Makaan. Drenched in a vibrant orange saree, trying to convince the bemused Manoj Kumar, Zeenat looks every bit a sexy Bollywood actress.

Aaj rapat jaaey toh- Namak Halal

One of the best compositions of Bappi Lahiri, Aaj rapat jaaey' had the talented Smita Patil and Amitabh Bhachchan at his romantic best sizzle on screen. The video shows a newly fallen in love couple dancing in the rain.

An interesting fact is that Smita Patil cried after the shooting for this song as she had always considered herself a part of meaningful cinema and to prove her versatility and commercial appeal, she had to do something inconsequential and illogical as this rain song. She returned to logical cinema with a vengeance after this.

Tip tip barsa paani- Mohra

It is a typical Bollywood number with the Bollywood heroine clad in a transparent saree trying to seduce an impassive hero. Ravishing Raveena succeeds to lure Akshay Kumar with her lakta jhatkas where he joins her towards the end. With Raveena clad in a yellow saree, dancing with vigour, Tip tip barsa paani was a typical sleazy rain song. Composed by Viju Shah, this song however continues to top memory charts even by today's teens.

Rhimjhim Rhimjhim- Love Story 1942

One of the last music compositions by the legendary R D Burman, Rhimjhim Rhimjhim is a melodious number rendered by Kavita Krishnamoorthy and Kumar Sanu. Penned by Javed Akhtar, the lyrics are romantic and complement the beautiful picturisation in Love Story 1942 ;Unlike the clich?©d rain songs in Bollywood, this one is aesthetically shot by Vidhu Vinod Chopra. Picturised on the young couple Anil Kapoor and the shy Manisha Koirala clad in a crimson saree with a simple backdrop, the song portrays the pre-independence era.

The word, Rhimjhim reminds one of a melodious duet from Shehzada (1972), again composed by Burman. Starring Rajesh Khanna and the beautiful Rakhee, the song is shot with a rain background. The vocals provided by Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar completely compliment the actors on screen.

Bhaage re mann- Chameli

Sung by Sunidhi Chauhan and composed by the lesser known Sandesh Sandilya, the song reminds listeners of Kareena clad in a red and blue saree drenched in the rains Portraying the role of a Mumbai prostitute, Kareena is shown enjoying the showers forgetting the upheavals in her life.

Shot in a rain clogged Mumbai locale, the song uses rain as an efficient backdrop. Throughout the song, Sandilya´s use of the flute is extremely effective and blends marvelously with Sunidhi´s rendition. The lyrics by Irshad Kalim signify the carefree attitude of the Mumbai prostitute dancing in the rains.

Ghanan Ghanan- Lagaan

Composed by A R Rahman, Ghanan Ghanan from the Oscar nominated Lagaan portrayed the villagers yearning for rain. Sung by veteran voices like Udit Narayan, Sukhwinder Singh, Alka Yagnik, Shankar Mahadevan, Shaan etc, the song exudes energy. The chorus in the song are well coordinated by the music maestro. Penned by Javed Akhtar, the words rightfully explain the longing of the villagers. <br /><br />The video depicts a whole village dancing at the onset of black clouds. The song is well choreographed by Raju Khan with a whole village enjoying the moment, dressed in colourful traditional clothes making it look very aesthetic. The song depicted the emotional relationship the village folks shared with the rains. It is not the rain but the sight of clouds bringing the rain which the folk celebrate. The song, however, ends with disappointment as the dark clouds exit from the village.

Barso re- Guru

Barso re is a by product of many genius minds involved in the making of the film- Guru. Composed by Rahman, the song brings out an essence of Gujarati folk culture and the monsoon in aesthetically picturized by Mani Ratnam. Penned by Gulzar, the song picturised the graceful Aishwarya Rai. Adored in a traditional ghagra backless choli, the video pictures a village girl swinging, dancing with kids, diving in rivers and enjoying the rains.

Mani Ratnam successfully captured the free spirited Sujata dances excitedly enjoying the refreshing spray of the monsoon at the stunning backdrop of a beautiful cascading waterfall. The enthusiasm portrayed in the song is infectious as the viewer feels like diving in the river!

The list of rain songs will be incomplete without mention of Sridevi's seductive moves in Mr India. Draped in blue, Sri sizzled in the song Kate nahi Kate' and there are few in Bollywood who will manage her steps. Also, in 'Chandani', Sri dazzled the screen with the number 'Lagi Aaj Sawaan' dressed in a white saree.

Yash Raj films has had its share of rain songs from Kajol dancing to the tunes of 'Mere Khwabon Main Jo Aye' from Dilwale Dulhaniye Le Jayenge. It was followed by 'Chak Dum Chak Dum' from Dil To Pagal Hain, �Sasoon ko sasson mein' from Hum Tum and 'Dil bara' from Dhoom in the recent times.

Do you know any more that we may have missed out on? Write in and share your rain drenched Bolly memories...