5 songs to croon this monsoon

1. Singin' In The Rain: Singin' In The Rain (1952)
There is no greater ode to the rains than the inimitable Gene Kelly tap-dancing to this song. His exuberance, fluidity and expression convey the magic of the moment you know you're in love. And what better weather to have for company than a gust of rain?

2. Rim Jhim Gire Sawan: Manzil (1979)
You only need to watch the video of this delightful Hindi song to see why it's your perfect friend to keep you company this monsoon. Shot in Mumbai, Amitabh Bachchan and Moushumi Chatterjee walk (and sometimes half-skip) all over Marine Drive and Churchgate among other places in heavy rain, sans umbrellas. Soaked to the skin, an exuberant Chatterjee runs her fingers through her wet hair while ferocious waves lash at Marine Drive. Watch this song to know just how beautiful Mumbai can be in the rains.

3. Annie's Song: John Denver (1974)
John Denver's Annie's song isn't just a tribute to love - it's also an ode to nature, mountains and the rains. In the song, Denver expresses the feeling of how just like a long walk in the rains would drench you, so does Annie's presence. Her effect is just as refreshing, freeing and exhilarating as the rain. Can there be a more romantic song for the monsoon?

4. Set Fire to the rain: adele (2011)
The song is about a hurt lover whose desire for revenge makes her want to ‘set fire to rain'. For most, the monsoon is synonymous with love and romance. This number, however, resonates with the feelings of gloom and melancholy of the season.

5. Ghanan ghanan ghir aaye badra: Lagaan (2001)
In the film, Lagaan, this song plays at a time when the locals in the village finally see the first possibility of rain, which could save them from drought and starvation. Composer AR Rahman's peppy beats make this
song memorable.