Rajesh Roshan: Swayamvar / Swarag Narak (1980)

My cautious approach to Rajesh Roshan continues... Truth be told I wasn't expecting a lot from this two-fer, and truth be told it's mostly average. Mostly.

On the 'Swayamvar' [review] [2] side it's only 'Mujhe Chu Rahi Hain Teri Garm Sansen' that does anything for me; pretty, verging on saccharine but undeniably likeable. And the instrumental interludes are quite lovely. 'Nahi Nahi Koi Tumsa Haseen' on the 'Swarag Narak' side is similarly sweet; nice and hummable if not especially memorable. I like the tinkling piano.

It's the final track that really stands out and the one that sold me on this record. 'Geeta Shlokas & I Love You' is a medley of sorts; what appears to be a lament for a dying person juxtaposed with a steamy slice of Bollywood erotica. It's co-sung by Lata Mangheshkar and the rather enigmatically named Miss Christine, who may in fact be Annette Pinto in disguise. Or at least that's what the IMDb thinks. I'd love it to be the case, but I haven't actually been able to verify it. Does anyone know? Regardless, it's a remarkable piece.

Track listing, 'Swayamyar':
1. Kishore Kumar: Nari Kuch Aisan
2. Mohd. Rafi & Lata Mangeshkar: Mujhe Chu Rahi Hain Teri Garm Sansen
3. Kishore Kumar & Mohd. Rafi: Ek Mahal Ma Chum Chum Karti
4. Kishore Kumar: Aap Apne Nashe Mein Jeete Hai

Track listing, 'Swarag Narak':
5. Kishore Kumar & Chorus: Leena O Leena
6. Mohd. Rafi & Chorus: Aag Hai Lagi Hui
7. Kishore Kumar & Asha Bhosle: Nahi Nahi Koi Tumsa Haseen
8. Lata Mangeshkar & Miss Christine: Geeta Shlokas & I Love You