There is something about rains that has a mystical quality about it. It is needed to drive the heat away. It is the source of water that is needed to sustain life. And it can also lead to destruction and mess if we have too much of it. Rains can be romantic, rains can also add drama, and rains can also bring in terror. Which is why this natural phenomenon is one of the film-makers' favourite tools to enhance the mood of any scene. A flash of lightning and thunder could both add impact to a dramatic scene (see Mohabbatein), while also bring two lovers together (see Raja Hindustani). Monsoon to Hit Delhi-NCR Between July 3-5, Cloudy Sky and Light Rains Likely on Tuesday.

India is going through monsoons, right now, with the city of Mumbai especially finding itself at the receiving end of torrential rains. So while we are at nature's mercy, while not bring out the Bollywood freak in us and see how rains gave us some of the most iconic scenes ever in cinema? Like the 10 below:

"Pyar Hua Ikrar Hua"

Movie: Shree 420

When you think of rains and Bollywood, the first image that comes to every hardcore Hindi movie buff's mind is Nargis and Raj Kapoor under an umbrella in torrential rains, singing sweet nothings to each other.

Giving Lift to a Ghost?

Movie: Woh Kaun Thi?

Rains are not just associated with love. It is also associated with ghosts and spirits, and this memorable scene from the Manoj Kumar classic comes to my mind. The way the whole scene is photographed and the use of rains add so much intense mystery to the scene.

Praying for Rains

Movie: Guide

Dev Anand's Guide is a landmark moment in Indian cinema. The last scene is simply heartbreaking, as the eponymous hero gives up his life while praying for the rains to happen.

"Tip Tip Barsa Paani"

Movie: Mohra

And yeah, rains have also been used the enhance the sensuality of a scene. An idea used by many filmmakers to film a passionate love scene. In the top of that list, we have this lovely vision of a rain-drenched Raveena Tandon dancing away in an abandon in a yellow saree, while (a strangely expressionless) Akshay Kumar looks on, before he joins in.

The Entire Movie

Movie: Kaun

Ram Gopal Varma's intrinsic suspense drama is one of the best thrillers made in Bollywood. While the movie only has three actors, rain also plays an important character in creating the right mood and also giving one of the characters a reason to stay in the bloody house.

That Kiss

Movie: Raja Hindustani

It is also the rains that create the perfect mood for the longest kiss in the history of Bollywood, performed by Aamir Khan and Karisma Kapoor.

Waltzing in The Rain

Movie: Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

One of the most romantic scenes involving Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol also have to give credit to the rains for that lovely setting. It is brilliant how Karan Johar changes that scene from its silent romantic mood to a moment of self-realisation.

The Rains Arrive

Movie: Lagaan

Team India's victory over their British oppressors at their own game is sweet enough. The long-awaited rains that pour in after that was just the icing on the cake! Even gods were happy with that victory!

The Romantic Reunion

Movie: Wake Up Sid

Wake Up Sid is one of the few Bollywood movies that use the city of Mumbai as a character in itself. The most memorable scene in the film is the conclusion where Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sen Sharma's characters finally let their feelings out, drenched in rains, and standing on the Marine Drive promenade. Any Mumbaikar would know that it is one of the sweetest romantic spots in the city.

The Fight of Desperation

Movie: Bajirao Mastani

Rains don't just create a perfect romantic mood; it can also create a sad. sombre hue around a very moving scene. Like how Sanjay Leela Bhansali uses monsoons to intensify the tragedy in the climax of Ranveer Singh and Deepika Padukone's Bajirao Mastani. Cheesy, yes. Impactful, also yes!

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 02, 2019 01:38 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).