All Raags
Raag
Pilu
The Free Spirit
Arohana (Ascending)
S R G M P D N Ṡ
Avarohana (Descending)
Ṡ n D P M g R S
Tradition
Hindustani
Thaat
Kafi
Jaati
Sampurna–Sampurna
Time of Performance
No fixed time
About This Raag
Pilu is the free spirit of the raga world — a flexible, mixed (mishra) raga that cheerfully borrows phrases and note-shades from many other ragas. Nominally based in the Kafi thaat, Pilu freely uses both shuddha and komal variants of Ga, Ni, and sometimes Re and Dha, giving performers enormous expressive freedom. This flexibility makes it the raga of choice for thumri, dadra, hori, and other light-classical forms where emotional expressiveness takes precedence over strict melodic grammar. Pilu is not typically performed as a serious khayal raga, but its emotional range — from playful joy to deep pathos — has made it one of the most popular ragas in film music.
Mood & Character
Playful, emotional, romantic, versatile
Notable Facts
- Known as a "mishra" (mixed) raga — freely borrows phrases from other ragas
- Uses both shuddha and komal variants of Ga, Ni, and sometimes Re and Dha
- Primarily used for thumri, dadra, hori, and other light-classical forms
- Not usually performed as a serious khayal raga due to its mixed character
- One of the most popular ragas in Bollywood, owing to its versatility and emotional range