Raksha Bandhan: Our Throwback Thursday playlist celebrates the brother-sister bond

Come Raksha Bandhan, and it’s time to celebrate the brother-sister bond. And what better way to do it than by listening to (on loop) the songs Bollywood has come up with to commemorate sibling love? Firstpost got together this Raksha Bandhan playlist for all of our readers — if you haven’t yet bought a gift for your sibling, how about dedicating one of these songs to him or her instead? Oh, and as a bonus, we’ve got some angrezi, non-Bollywood numbers in there too: ’Phoolon Ka Taron Ka’ from Hare Rama Hare Krishna

One of the most popular bhai-behen songs to come out of Bollywood, this number from Hare Rama Hare Krishna starring Dev Anand and Zeenat Aman is a heartwarming portrayal of the sibling relationship on screen. ’Nahin Mein Nahin Dekh Sakta Tujhe Rote Hue’ from Majboor

This song featuring Farida Jalal and Amitabh Bachchan is a must for your Raksha Bandhan playlist. Amitabh realises that he may not live long enough to perform the kanyadaan of his sister and sings this song to the background track of her sobbing. ‘Bhaiya Mere Rakhi Ke’ from Choti Behan

The song featuring Nanda and Balraj Sahani shows the choti behan and bada bhai bonding. This 1951 film also has a strong portrayal of the bond shared by the three siblings in the film. ‘Rang Birangi Rakhi Le Ke’ from Anpadh

This track from the 1962 film Anpadh is sung by Lata Mangeshkar and picturised on the beautiful Mala Sinha. This feminist film has Mala Sinha starring as the lead, Lajwanti. Bonus: ‘He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother’ by The Hollies

The road is long With many a winding turn That leads us to who knows where? Who knows where? But I’m strong Strong enough to carry him He ain’t heavy, he’s my brother This is one of the most heartwearming songs about siblings. The piano comes compliments of Elton John, which falls in well with the saccharine guitar strings to deliver an emotional knockout.

‘Brother Mine’ by Suzanne Vega

Here is a song all older sisters can relate to. The sister preaches to her brother and tells him to stop being a troublemaker. This off-beat country song is a simple and sweat treat for your Raksha Bandhan playlist. ‘Martha’ by Rufus Wainwright

Rufus sings this piano ballad straight from the heart for his sister Martha. Their mother is sick and Rufus and his sister Martha need to put aside petty grievances and help each other out. The way he stretches out the final quavering ‘call me back’ is enough to make anyone with a sibling reach for the phone.