Laxmikant Pyarelal: Naatak (1974)

A Laxmikant Pyarelal score from 1974 (in addition to 1973, their best year I think) sporting a wonderfully cool cover; I couldn't resist picking this one up. 'Naatak' may not be quite on par with some of their best efforts from the period, but a few songs on the album strike my fancy. 'Zindagi Ek Naatak Hai' (I'm partial to the sad version) is packed with passion and drama, with an enticing intro

Kalyanji Anandji/Biddu: What A Wonder… Feroz Khan's Qurbani In English (1980)

I've never been able to find out whose idea it was to make an English language version of the 'Qurbani' soundtrack, nor the reason for it. Biddu's involvement might have played a part; one can imagine Polydor wanting to capitalize on his reputation and fame in English speaking countries (primarily the UK) by releasing an 'international' version. But if that was the case, it's slightly odd that

Biddu: Star (1982)

The first time I saw Biddu's name on a Bollywood soundtrack, I was somewhat surprised. I had been totally unaware of his career other than that as a very successful UK pop producer; to me he was primarily the man behind Tina Charles, whose 'I Love To Love' was one of the first songs able to entice my younger self onto a school disco dance floor. I don't think I even knew he was Indian. And

Ravindra Jain: Safed Haathi (1977)

More kid's stuff, this time the score to an Indian children's movie. A rare thing, apparently. 'Safed Haathi' is another LP I picked up (cheaply) out of curiosity more than anything; Ravindra Jain is a music director whose name I've come across quite often, but never previously been tempted to pursue. It's also one of those albums where they've thrown together the songs (and bits of songs),

Lata Mangeshkar: Songs For Children

A while back, I was asked by a reader if I could recommend some Bollywood songs aimed at kids. At the time I couldn't, but being a parent myself, the request did pique my curiosity. I've always had a soft spot for artists who show the youngest segment of their audience their due respect, so when this album turned up I found it hard to resist.And as it turns out, 'Songs For Children' is a great

Rahul Dev Burman: Mr. Romeo (1973)

Full LP version of a score previously posted as an EP, so some of you might be familiar with some of the songs. Breezy, fun and pretty darn wonderful all the way through; if you're on the lookout for a ready made soundtrack for summer, 'Mr. Romeo' could well be it. I'm particularly fond of 'Isi Shaher Men, Isi Gali Men Magar Yeh Nahin' at the moment.

Track listing:
1. Kishore Kumar, Asha

Rahul Dev Burman: Mukti (1976)

I have on occasion toyed with the idea of putting together a compilation of RD Burman instrumentals. It would, inevitably, be a fantastic collection, and 'Dance Music' from 'Mukti' [review] would be one of its finest tracks.I've played it non-stop since obtaining the soundtrack a few months ago. If Ennio Morricone, Henry Mancini and Lalo Schifrin had ever worked together, the result might have