If there is one dance move that defines the infectious energy of a Bollywood party, it is the classic thumka. It is the ultimate hip-shaking, floor-breaking move that gets everyone out of their seats and onto the dance floor.

1. Ek Do Teen

Movie: Tezaab (1988)

Singers: Alka Yagnik

Music Director: Laxmikant-Pyarelal

Actor Featured: Madhuri Dixit

Description: The song that arguably crowned Madhuri Dixit as the dancing queen of Bollywood and made the thumka a nationwide phenomenon. The legendary countdown hook step combined with Madhuri’s effortless, sharp hip-drops makes this a quintessential track to kick off any desi dance party.

2. Mera Piya Ghar Aaya

Movie: Yaraana (1995)

Singers: Kavita Krishnamurthy

Music Director: Anu Malik

Actor Featured: Madhuri Dixit

Description: A powerhouse performance packed with relentless energy. Driven by a heavy, fast-paced dhol beat, the aggressive and rhythmic hip movements in this song are practically a masterclass. It is impossible to sit still when the chorus drops!

3. Aaj Ki Raat

Movie: Stree 2 (2024)

Singers: Madhubanti Bagchi, Divya Kumar, Sachin-Jigar

Music Director: Sachin-Jigar

Actor Featured: Tamannaah Bhatia

Description: The modern blockbuster that proves the thumka never goes out of style. Blending a sultry lounge feel with a pure desi item-number vibe, Tamannaah Bhatia’s graceful yet hard-hitting hook step made this the biggest, most irresistible dance anthem of the year.

5. Desi Girl

Movie: Dostana (2008)

Singers: Shankar Mahadevan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Vishal Dadlani

Music Director: Vishal-Shekhar

Actor Featured: Priyanka Chopra

Description: The ultimate anthem for any Bollywood night. Priyanka’s shimmering silver saree and that one perfectly timed, glamorous thumka right on the hook created a massive pop culture moment. If this plays, the whole room will be doing the signature step!

Bollywood Game Night- “Thumka” Quiz

Q1. In the song “Ek Do Teen,” which number corresponds to the day the “beloved” (piya) is finally scheduled to arrive?

A) 11 (Gyaarah)
B) 12 (Baarah)
C) 13 (Teraa)
D) 14 (Chaudah)

Q2. Which iconic “Thumka Queen” features in both “Ek Do Teen” and “Mera Piya Ghar Aaya”?

A) Sridevi
B) Karisma Kapoor
C) Madhuri Dixit
D) Juhi Chawla

Q3. The song “Lovely” from Happy New Year features a distinct musical style blended with Bollywood beats. Which artist provided the urban/Punjabi music production?

A) Honey Singh
B) Dr. Zeus
C) Badshah
D) Rishi Rich

Q4. In the “Desi Girl” music video, who are the two male actors dancing alongside Priyanka Chopra?

A) Ranbir Kapoor & Arjun Kapoor
B) Shah Rukh Khan & Saif Ali Khan
C) Abhishek Bachchan & John Abraham
D) Hrithik Roshan & Farhan Akhtar

Q5. The 2024 hit “Aaj Ki Raat” is featured in which blockbuster horror-comedy sequel?

A) Bhool Bhulaiyaa 3
B) Stree 2
C) Bhediya 2
D) Munjya