14-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Revealed: Why Bollywood is obsessed with flowers and what they represent
Flowers – for some, they are overrated, while for others, they are considered one of the best ways to communicate.
They've been the poet's companion for centuries, and archives are brimming with songs that reference the precious 'phool' (flower). Bollywood songs, too, frequently bring up flowers. But not all flowers bask in glory – some are reserved for mausoleums. As a famous poet once said, ' Har phool ki qismat mein kaha naz-e-uroosa, kuch phool toh khilte hi mazaron ke liye hain. ' (Not every flower is destined for a lover's gaze; some are meant to bloom in the graveyard). However, on Valentine's Day, let us present some of the best songs that reference flowers.
1. Dekha Ek Khwab Toh
This song is from the film Silsila, released in 1981, sung by Kishore Kumar and Lata Mangeshkar. The romantic track, picturised in the vibrant tulip fields of the Netherlands, has become the go-to song for anyone in love.
2. Phool Tumhe Bheja Hai Khat Mein
From the movie Saraswati Chandra, this classic is brought to life by the iconic duo Mukesh and Lata Mangeshkar. The song features Nutan who is sending flowers through a letter as a token of affection. It remains one of Bollywood's most beloved romantic songs.
3. Likhken Jo Khat Tujhe
This romantic ballad from Kanyadan features Shashi Kapoor and Asha Parekh. It is sung by the legendary Mohammed Rafi, with lyrics by Javed Akhtar and music by S.D. Burman.
4. Phool Gendwa Na Maaro
Featured in Heeramandi: The Diamond Bazaar, sung by Barnali Chattopadhyay, this song is a modern take on a classic from the 1964 film Dooj Ka Chand. Originally sung by Manna Dey and set in the haunting Raag Bhairavi, this piece blends rural dialect with Hindustani classical music beautifully.
5. Phoolon Ka Taron Ka Sabka Kehna Hai
A true anthem of sibling love, this iconic track from Hare Rama Hare Krishna features Lata Mangeshkar and Kishore Kumar. The carefree spirit of the song, backed by the duo Dev Anand and Zeenat Aman, has made it unforgettable for generations of brothers and sisters.
6. Phoolon Ke Rang Se, Dil Ki Kalam Se
This evergreen romantic number from Prem Pujari is a heart-stealer. Sung by Kishore Kumar and picturised on Dev Anand, the song captures the essence of love through its poetic lyrics and timeless melody.
7. Rajnigandha Phool Tumhare
From the 1974 film Rajnigandha, this heartfelt song by Lata Mangeshkar captures the charm of a love story beautifully. Directed by Basu Chatterjee, the film stars Amol Palekar and Vidya Sinha, with an enchanting composition by Salil Chowdhury.
8. Phir Chhidi Raat, Baat Phoolon Ki
Written by Makhdoom Mohiuddin, this lovely ghazal featured in Rajnigandha is sung by the legendary Talat Aziz and Lata Mangeshkar. With Khayyam's evocative music set in Raag Baageshri, the song brings together the innocence of love and the ethereal beauty of the night.
