Also known as antyakshari, it is a game which involves one team (or player) singing a song that starts with the last letter of the previous song. This game challenges your memory of songs, melody, and how quickly you can respond. This has been played across generations in India — from the king’s courts to modern-day living rooms.
The term comes from the Sanskrit terms antya meaning ‘end’ and akshara meaning ‘letter’. When these words are combined and an ‘-i’ suffixed, the term translates to “The game of the ending letter”.
Antaakshari traces its roots to the Ramayana, where the rishis sang the first verses of bhajans (devotional songs), which ended with the last letter of the ending word of the previous bhajan. The ‘game’ eventually became a famous family pastime.
It later became more mainstream with the help of the Srilankan Tamil radio channels. This tradition was followed by more Bombay based radio and TV anchors. Now there are many TV shows based on the game all over India, and has been popularised in many languages across the country.
A Hindi-language show of the same name ran successfully on Zee TV for more than 10 years straight (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 the noted playback singer Richa Sharma.
Gameplay explained
The game can be played by two or more people or teams. It opens with a rhyme,
Baithe, baithe, kya kare? Karna hai kuch kam, Shuru karo antaakshari, leke Prabhu ka nam!
(Sitting here all bored, what do we do? Let’s take the name of the Lord and start a game of Antaakshari)
From here, the game is kicked off with the ‘m’ sound. The first singer has to sing two complete lines of a song (or a whole stanza) which begins with that ‘m’ sound, and may stop at the end. The last letter of the last word is passed on to the next team, and the cycle continues. The winner(s) are decided by a process of elimination. The person or team that cannot come up with a song with the right consonant is eliminated if their opponents can produce such a song.
But, here’s some other things to remember:
– Only Bollywood songs are allowed by default. Regional songs can be allowed with prior agreement.
– No song can be repeated more than once
– Sing up to at least a stanza of the song
Impact
Antaakshari has acted as a social catalyst, breaking barriers of age, language, and region. It fostered camaraderie and brought families together for every occasion. It has also been a medium for passing down the love for music and cultural traditions down for generations.
In fact, during the pandemic, people played Antaakshari while locked away in their homes, either singing songs by the balcony, or on video call.
Beating the blues Apartment dwellers in Gurugram get together in the evening to play tambola, antakshari and listen to songs.
Antaakshari has been known to enhance memory, knowledge on music and the trivia associated, and quick and critical thinking.
Example
Here’s an example of the game for any rookies who want to get a feel of the game:
Kisi ki muskuraahaton pe ho nisaar,
kisika dard mil sake to le udhaar,
kisike waaste ho tere dil mein pyaar,
Jeena isi ka naam hai.
(“Jeena Isi Ka Naam Hai” from Anari)
Notice the song begins with the ‘h’ consonant, so from there the next team can sing…
Har ghadi badal rahi hai roop zindagi,
Chhaaun hai kabhi, kabhi hai dhoop zindagi,
Har pal yahaan, jee bhar jiyo,
Jo hai sama, kal ho na ho.
(Title song from Kal Ho Na Ho)
MANGALORE: Antakshari in progress at Empire Mall for the Carnival Fest ’07 in Mangalore on March 07, 2007. Carnival Fest, which was held at Empire Mall from February 23 to March 4 was organised by Empire Mall Owners’ Association to familiarise people with the mall.
| Photo Credit:
ESWARRAJ R/THE HINDU
Antaakshari continues to be a family’s favourite across the country. It’s more than just a game — it’s a bridge between generations, languages, and memories and a timeless celebration of music.
Published – October 29, 2025 05:15 pm IST
