Bollywood and Holi have a long-standing love affair, with the festival of colours serving as the perfect backdrop for some of the most iconic songs in Indian cinema. From Amitabh Bachchan’s iconic “Rang Barse” in Silsila and “Holi Ke Din” in Sholay to more recent hits like “Balam Pichkaari” from Yeh Jawaani Hai Dewaani, Holi has inspired countless memorable moments in Indian cinema.
Raj Kapoor’s Holi party saw Bollywood’s biggest names attending the celebrations. (Express Archive Photos)
The Holi celebrations off-screen have also been equally noteworthy and an integral part of the Bollywood experience. Raj Kapoor’s Holi parties at RK Studios were the stuff of legend. Organised by the Kapoor family, the event brought together the who’s who of the film fraternity, celebrating unity, friendship, and the vibrant spirit of Holi. The Holi parties, hosted by Amitabh Bachchan, Javed Akhtar-Shabana Azmi, and Shah Rukh Khan, too were an unforgettable experience for all. But the celebrations have changed for these celebrities.
ALSO READ Bollywood’s grandest Holi parties: From Raj Kapoor’s RK revelry to Amitabh Bachchan’s Prateeksha bash, see photos
Once renowned for its extravagant parties hosted by the biggest stars, the festival has now taken on a more private and intimate character. In the past, Amitabh Bachchan’s Holi parties were the epitome of grandeur, with the iconic 2004 bash marking the end of an era. Since then, the superstar has shifted to intimate celebrations due to personal reasons, including his mother’s illness. Years ago, director Subhash Ghai discontinued his lavish Holi festivities at his Madh Island. Over time, the large-scale celebrations have given way to more intimate gatherings, with only a handful of industry figures continuing the tradition and more stars opting for smaller, more private gatherings.
Let’s look at how the grandest Holi bashes have changed over the years.
Raj Kapoor’s legendary Holi bashes remain unforgettable
A glimpse from Raj Kapoor’s iconic Holi bash at RK Studios (Express Archive Photos)
Late actor-filmmaker Raj Kapoor’s Holi parties at RK Studio were iconic, with his brothers Shammi Kapoor and Shakti Kapoor joining in the festivities. Friends and family members would gather to celebrate the spirit of Holi with colours, music, and dance, creating cherished memories that live on to this day. Their celebrations were attended by some of the most influential names in the industry, including Amitabh Bachchan, Nargis, Rajendra Kumar, Prem Nath, and Nirupa Roy. The Kapoor family’s Holi gatherings were an opportunity to strengthen bonds within the Bollywood fraternity. Over time, the grandeur of the RK Studios Holi parties gave way to more intimate family gatherings. Nowadays, the Kapoor family’s Holi celebrations revolve around reuniting under one roof, cherishing quality time together, and savouring a delectable feast. Although the scale of their Holi festivities may have changed, the spirit of togetherness and camaraderie remains as vibrant as ever.
Amitabh Bachchan’s dawn to dusk Holi parties
A peek into Amitabh Bachchan’s Holi party (Express Archive Photos)
Amitabh Bachchan’s Holi parties at Prateeksha were once the epitome of festive spirit, with celebrations commencing at dawn and continuing till dusk. The events were a perfect blend of family, friends, and endless entertainment, often attracting politicians and celebrities alike. The legendary actor, known for his active presence on social media, has shared numerous throwback photos that give us a glimpse into the grandeur of his Holi bashes. In one such post, Amitabh reminisced about the Holi festivities he once enjoyed at RK Studio with Raj Kapoor and his family, expressing his longing for safer and more carefree times. Amitabh also took to his blog to recollect the Holi revelry on the lawns of Prateeksha, which would extend from early morning until the late hours of the night. Despite the passing of time and the changes it has brought, the spirit of Holi remains alive in his heart, along with the cherished rituals and memories.
Amitabh Bachchan applies gulaal on Jaya Bachchan’s forehead. (Photo: PTI)
Shah Rukh Khan’s energetic Holi bash
Shah Rukh Khan’s Holi celebrations were nothing short of extraordinary. A series of nostalgic videos from SRK’s legendary Holi bash in the ’90s and early 2000s offer a glimpse into the spirited celebrations. One such video showcases the superstar dancing to the rhythm of dhols alongside his wife, Gauri Khan. In another heartwarming video, a young Shah Rukh playfully encourages Gauri to get into a pool of coloured water.
These Holi parties were a star-studded affair, with celebrities such as Subhash Ghai, Karan Johar, David Dhawan, and Chunky Pandey in attendance. A throwback video captures Shah Rukh gleefully throwing water on his friends, while another showcases him dancing with the likes of Dhawan and Panday. Whether it’s grooving to Holi songs or playing pranks on his co-stars, SRK knew how to make the most of the festival. His infectious energy and charm have made his Holi parties an event to remember. Now the festivities at the superstar’s residence are muted with only friends and family in attendance.
Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar continue with the tradition
Shabana Azmi and Javed Akhtar continue the 40-year tradition of hosting Holi parties, initially started by Shabana’s father Kaifi Azmi. Their Holi celebrations are known for their grandeur and star-studded guest list. The power couple has always kept the spirit of Holi alive, making it a memorable event for everyone involved. Each year, this iconic Bollywood couple wholeheartedly embraces the festive spirit of Holi, setting the dance floor ablaze with their moves to the rhythm of the dhol.
Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas and Katrina Kaif celebrate Holi at Isha Ambani’s Holi bash. (Instagram/priyankachopra)
In recent years, Kareena Kapoor Khan hosted a small Holi celebration for her family members. Meanwhile, Isha Ambani’s 2020 Holi bash attracted a bevy of prominent Bollywood stars, making it a truly memorable gathering. Notable attendees included Katrina Kaif, Priyanka Chopra, Nick Jonas, Jacqueline Fernandez, Vicky Kaushal, Armaan Jain and Anissa Malhotra, Shilpa Shetty, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Madhuri Dixit Nene.
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