Antakshari is a popular game in India which is a unique blend of music, fun, and competition. This game is not only a part of family activities, but it is also very popular among friends. If you also want to enjoy playing Antakshari, then it is very important to understand its rules. By knowing the basic rules of Antakshari, team arrangement, and important tips, you can play this game correctly and entertain others in better way.
So without further a due, let’s have a look at the Antakshari rules. Read everything below and follow them while playing the game during special events.
1. Formation of teams to play Antakshari
This game is played between 2 teams or in a group having 3-5 players. Mostly it is played between 2 groups – 1 side the group of boys and other side the group of girls. Each team can have one or more players. It is advisable to divide the teams into equal members, so that the competition remains fair.
2. How to start Antakshari for First Time
To start the game of antakshari, one team has to sing the first song. This song should be in Hindi or Bollywood, unless all the players agree to include songs in another language. The next team has to start their song with the last letter or sound of the last word of the song sung by the first team.
Usually the first song of antakshari starts with letter “M”, but you can try different letter as per your choice. Here’s classing Antakshari opening lines hat everyone used to chant before starting the game:
“Baithhe baithhe kya karein, karna hai kuch kaam,
Shuru karo Antakshari, leke Prabhu ka naam!”
3. Song must start with the last consonant
As soon as a team finishes singing the song, the next team has to sing the song with the last consonant. If the song ends with letter “T”, the next team has to sing a song that starts with letter “T”. The song can be “Tan tana tan tan tara” or “Tuje dekha to ye jana sanam” etc.
Example:
- The first team sings: “Ye dosti hum nahi todenge…” (Last word: “Todenge”)
- The next team has to sing a song starting with “ge”, for example: “Gerua saari bandh ke…”
4. The song must be complete
The team has to sing at least one complete stanza of the song. Singing just one line and then leaving it is not valid. In short, a team has to sing at least 4 to 5 lines. This is the basic requirement of the game and it keeps the game play in fair range and team members enjoy it too (it really sets the mood!).
5. No Repeat Song
In Antakshari, once a song has been sung, it cannot be sung again. This means that you cannot repeat the same song that has already been sung by the other team or your team. This rule keeps the game new and challenging, and now team members have to find another song or title.
6. Time Limit
Each team has 30-45 seconds (or the pre-determined time) to think of a song and sing it. If the team is unable to sing the song in the given time limit, the other team gets a chance to sing the song. So here, the challenge now passes to the next team – if they sing a valid song, they win the game!
7. When does the next team get a chance?
If a team:
✅ fails to sing the correct song,
✅ starts the song with the wrong letter,
✅ fails to think of a song within the time limit,
If a team fails to do above mentioned things the other team gets a chance. That team can start a new song with the last letter of the previous song.
8. No made-up songs or humming
In this game, only Hindi movies, Punjabi movies or Tamil, Telugu movies song are allowed. Based on your region, you can play the game and sing Bhojpuri, Marathi, Gujarati songs. In short, a recognized song is allowed in the game of Antakshari,You can’t invent your own lyrics or tunes like “Pyaar ka taara… dil ka sahara…” (as it’s not a real song 😄).
9. Only Bollywood / Tollywood / Pollywood songs
Only recognized songs from film industries are allowed in this game. You can allow Hindi and Punjabi songs, or Hindi and Bhojpuri, or Tamil, Telugu songs in the game. Based on your region or state, you can decide what language songs are allowed. Example: In North India, people play the game and sing song in Hindi, or Punjabi or Sometimes Haryanvi and Bhojpuri. So whatever has been decided, play the game and sing the song accordingly.
10. How long does Antakshari last?
Antakshari can end in two ways:
- Elimination round: When one team is unable to sing a song in a row and the other team wins.
- Time limit: If the game is set for a certain time (e.g. 30 minutes), the team that sang the most songs is the winner.
Conclusion
Antakshari is not just a game, but a living part of Indian culture that has been connecting us for generations. This game not only reflects our love for music, but also becomes a powerful medium of collective entertainment. In today’s digital age where everyone is lost in mobile, Antakshari gives a golden opportunity when the whole family or friends can sit together and sing songs, laugh and make memories.
Through this game not only our memory is sharpened, but teamwork, patience and quick decision-making ability also develops. For children, it is a great way to connect with songs and understand the language. On the other hand, for adults, it gives a chance to relive old memorable songs.
So why not organize Antakshari in your next get-together? By understanding the rules and doing a little preparation, you can make this game even more interesting. And yes, when you play, do tell us – which difficult letter did your team overcome? Which song surprised everyone?
Remember, every Antakshari session creates new memories and strengthens relationships. Please share it with others and don’t forget comment below!
