Mahashivratri: 6 Hindi films songs that celebrate Lord Shiva

Hindu god Shiva remains a potent force in Bollywood songs.

From engraving tattoos of Hindu god Shiva on their bodies as Shiva bhakts, to performing the energetic dance form, taandav and even songs praising Lord Shiva, heroes in Hindi films have always celebrated Mahadev or Shankar in all his glory.

Ranbir Kapoor’s character, Agni Astra, a Lord Shiva devotee in Brahmāstra: Part One – Shiva (2022) recently, requires no jogging of our memory, but equally etched in our minds is, the popular song Jai Jai Shiv Shankar in the film Aap ki Kasam (1974), where Rajesh Khanna and Mumtaz are seen dancing in a trance, under the spell of bhaang, as they sway and climb down the steps of a temple.

Lord Shiva is worshipped in this song, but that’s not the only one. Hindi films have always dedicated several songs to the mighty Lord Shiva.

Sometimes, long after the film is released, its name might get obliterated from our memories, but the song becomes synonymous with Lord Shiva and is regularly played by bands and revellers rejoicing on Shivratri.

1. Bhole O Bhole from Amitabh Bachchan’s film Yaraana in 1981, is his fervent appeal in the form of a prayer to Lord Shiva, seeking back his friend.

2. More recently, against a lavish backdrop, Mann Mein Shiva in the film Panipat (2019) has Arjun Kapoor, reiterating his strong belief in Lord Shiva.

3. In Tanhaji - The Unsung Warrior (2020), too, Lord Shiva is praised in the song Shankara re Shankara, evoking feelings of patriotism and reverence.

4. In Shivaay (2016), Ajay Devgn recreates the taandav avatar of Lord Shiva in his rendition of the song, Bolo Har Har Har

5. Amit Trivedi’s Namo Namo from the film, Kedarnath (2018), is touted to be one of the most popular Lord Shiva hymns sung on Mahashivratri.

6. Akshay Kumar in the film Laxmii (2020), renders a new dimension to celebrating Lord Shiva, through his energetic dance sequence, accompanying the song BamBholle.