Raj Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Javed Akhtar: Revisiting Bollywood's grandest Holi parties

Holi in Bollywood has always been more than just a festival—it’s an extravagant celebration of colors, music, and unforgettable moments. From Raj Kapoor’s legendary gatherings at RK Studio to Amitabh Bachchan’s star-studded bashes and Ranveer Singh’s vibrant party for Pharrell, these festivities have become part of industry folklore. While some grand traditions have faded, others continue to evolve, keeping the spirit of Holi alive. As we gear up for another year of colourful revelry, let’s take a nostalgic dive into some of Bollywood’s most iconic Holi parties.

In the golden era of Bollywood, Raj Kapoor’s Holi parties at RK Studio were nothing short of legendary. Alongside his brothers, Shammi Kapoor and Shashi Kapoor, he hosted grand celebrations, inviting close friends and industry icons. Stars like Amitabh Bachchan, Nargis, Rajendra Kumar, Prem Nath, and Nirupa Roy were regulars at these vibrant gatherings.

These days, the Kapoor family's Holi celebrations are more intimate, focused on quality time and delicious feasts. Kareena Kapoor Khan often shares glimpses on Instagram, especially of her sons, Taimur and Jeh. In 2021, Taimur enjoyed Holi with cousin Inaaya Naumi Kemmu. This year’s festivities may be extra special as it marks Jeh’s first Holi.

One of the most beloved throwback Holi videos features a young Shah Rukh Khan playfully convincing Gauri Khan to jump into a pool of coloured water. The clip also captures SRK enjoying with friends like Subhash Ghai and Karan Johar, and dancing with David Dhawan and Chunky Pandey. Nowadays, his Holi celebrations are more low-key, with a brief meet-and-greet with fans and a quiet gathering at home.

Amitabh Bachchan’s Holi celebrations were grand affairs filled with family, friends, and vibrant festivities. His parties even welcomed political figures. A social media enthusiast, Big B has often shared nostalgic photos, including one where he fondly recalled celebrating Holi at RK Studio with Raj Kapoor and his family.

In 2015, Abhishek Bachchan offered a glimpse of his Holi celebrations with Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Aaradhya. In 2021, he shared a nostalgic throwback photo, urging fans to celebrate safely at home amid rising Covid-19 cases. He emphasized cherishing traditions while prioritizing family well-being.

In 2018, Ranveer Singh hosted a grand Holi party for Pharrell, marking the singer’s first experience of the festival. The star-studded bash saw attendees like VJ Anusha, MasterChef Australia’s Sara Todd, Mini Mathur, and Ananya Panday. Photos and videos from the vibrant celebration took over social media.

Javed Akhtar and Shabana Azmi’s Holi parties are always a treat, both for guests and fans catching glimpses online. This year, the celebrations are expected to be even grander, with Farhan Akhtar and Shibani Dandekar attending their first Holi as a married couple after their much-talked-about wedding in February.