Usha Khanna: Bambai Ka Maharaja (1980)

I've always been slightly partial to Usha Khanna, and while 1980 was hardly the best vintage for any Bollywood music director, I was hoping 'Bambai Ka Maharaja' might be of some worth. Which it is, partly at least.

I don't find the first couple of songs particularly memorable, but things really pick up on the LP's second side. The title track is a sophisticated lounge funk number sung by Asha Bhosle, sounding like it could have been a James Bond theme and including several ace breaks. 'Too Jahan Jayegi' (the only song I was able to locate a film clip from) is an infectious disco stomper reminiscent of Bappi Lahiri's soundtracks of the same period. And 'Mil Gaya Mil Gaya' is stylistically all over the place; sometimes modern, sometimes traditional, occasionally a bit bonkers; all in a very good, very entertaining way. Soft and sedate 'Ayega Re Ayega' is a fitting ending.

Track listing:
1. Kishore Kumar & Chorus: Bam Bam Bole Baba Chhaya Nasha Re
2. Suresh Wadkar, Anwar & Chorus: Madine Ki Galiyon Se Awaz Aai - Qawwali
3. Asha Bhosle: Bambai Ka Maharaja
4. Kishore Kumar: Too Jahan Jayegi
5. Asha Bhosle & Amit Kumar: Mil Gaya Mil Gaya
6. Kishore Kumar: Ayega Re Ayega


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