also known as AntyakshriIt is a game in which a team (or players) sing a song that starts with the last letter of the previous song. This game challenges your memory of songs, melodies and how quickly you can react. It has been played in India for generations – from the king’s court to the living rooms of modern times.
This word comes from Sanskrit words end meaning ‘end’ and Akshara Which means ‘letter’. When these words are combined and a ‘-i’ suffix is ​​added, the word translates to “last letter game”.
Antakshari has its roots in the Ramayana, where the sages sang the first verses of a bhajan (devotional song), ending with the last syllable of the last word of the previous hymn. The ‘game’ eventually became a popular family pastime.
Later it became more mainstream with the help of Sri Lankan Tamil radio channels. This tradition was followed by Bombay-based radio and TV anchors. There are now many TV shows based on the game across India, and it has been popularized in many languages ​​across the country.
A Hindi language show of the same name ran successfully on Zee TV continuously for more than 10 years (from 1993 to 2007). It was hosted by actor, director and radio jockey Annu Kapoor and many other hosts such as actresses Pallavi Joshi, Durga Jasraj, Renuka Shahane and famous playback singer Richa Sharma.
Gameplay Explained
The game can be played by two or more people or teams. It opens with a poem,
Sitting, sitting, what to do? Have some work to do, start Antakshari, take the name of God!
(We are bored sitting here, what should we do? Take the name of God and start the game of Antakshari)
From here the game starts with the ‘M’ sound. The first singer has to sing two full lines (or a full verse) of a song that starts with that ‘M’ sound, and can stop at the end. The last letter of the last word is passed to the next team, and the cycle continues. The winner(s) are decided by a process of elimination. The person or team who cannot create a song with the correct consonant is eliminated if their opponents can create a similar song.
But, here are some other things to remember:
– By default only Bollywood songs are allowed. Regional songs may be allowed with prior consent.
– No song can be repeated more than once
– Sing at least one verse of the song
Effect
Antakshari has acted as a social catalyst breaking the barriers of age, language and region. It promoted harmony and brought families together at every opportunity. It has also been a medium to pass on the love for music and cultural traditions across generations.
In fact, during the pandemic, people played Antakshari while locked in their homes, either singing songs in the balcony, or over video calls.
Beating the gloom, apartment residents in Gurugram gather in the evening to play Tambola, Antakshari and listen to songs.
Antakshari is known to enhance memory, knowledge of music and general matters related to it and quick and critical thinking.
Example
Here is an example of a game for beginners who want to experience the game:
Be intoxicated by someone’s smile,
If you can find someone’s pain, borrow it.
The love in your heart is for someone,
This is the meaning of life.
,This is the meaning of life.” From clumsy,
Note that the song starts with the ‘H’ consonant, so from there the next team can sing…
Life is changing every moment,
Sometimes there is shade, sometimes there is sunshine, life
Live every moment here to the fullest,
Whatever is, may or may not happen tomorrow.
(from the title song) tomorrow may or may not happen,
Mangalore: Antakshari going on at Empire Mall for Carnival Fest ’07 in Mangalore on 07 March 2007. The Carnival Fest, which was held at the Empire Mall from February 23 to March 4, was organized by the Empire Mall Owners Association to introduce people to the mall. , Photo Courtesy: Ishwarraj r/The Hindu
Antakshari remains a family favorite across the country. It is more than just a game – it is a bridge between generations, languages ​​and an eternal celebration of memories and music.
published – October 29, 2025 05:15 PM IST