
A few years ago I posted Laxmichand "Babla" Shah's 1984 soundtrack 'Meetha Zehar'. An excellent score, it did however omit one particular piece of music featured in the movie, a captivating instrumental prelude to the gorgeous song 'Aye Mere Dil Tu Rona Nahin'. I became a bit obsessed by it, and with the help of Shazam and some asking around I was eventually able to identify it as 'Babla's Theme'.
It's the highlight of 1982's 'Yesterday Once More', a collection of mainly instrumental versions of other composers' film tunes. ('Babla's Theme' is in fact a title that appears on several of his albums, one as early as 1977. I don't know if these are all the same recording, or even the same song. I suspect they might not be.) Easy listening lounge music, synth-based, so possibly not for everyone. I can take it in small doses, or in the background. Some tracks work better than others. 'Mere Mehboob Kayamat Hogi' for instance has a harmonica bit I find appealing, and the sax on 'Tum Na Jane Kis Jahan Mein' is like something played at a wedding when the guests have left or fallen asleep except for a single drunken couple still slow dancing through confetti and streamers. 'Afsana Likh Rahi Hoon' has an ear-catching reggae beat, and the vaguely mysterious sounding 'Andhe Jahaan Ke' inspired me to go back to its source.
At the end of the day though, it's the final track that has real significance, and if not for it I probably wouldn't have bothered.
Track listing:
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1. Aawaz De Kahan Hai (Anmol Ghadi)
2. Mere Mehboob Kayamat Hogi (Mr. X In Bombay)
3. Gham Diya Mushtaqil (Shahjahan)
4. Tum Na Jane Kis Jahan Mein (Sazaa)
5. Tune Hai Mere Zakhm-E-Jigar Ko (Nagina)
6. Yeh Sama (Jab Jab Phool Khile)
7. Jaiye Aap Kahan Jayenge (Mere Sanam)
8. Afsana Likh Rahi Hoon (Dard)
9. Andhe Jahaan Ke (Patita)
10. Babla's Theme
If the above post gave you some joy or value, if you've ever been inspired by the contents of this blog, please consider showing support by leaving a tip. Or, maybe buy a copy of MFT3F's unique guide to 100 Bollywood Soundtracks Every Music Lover Ought To Hear. Either way, you'll be letting me know the work I've put into this matters to you, and you'll be motivating me to continue.