(Gaining independence means rebelling from the old and embracing the new, so imitation becomes a sincere form of flattery.) Even though the mostly excluded 80s go the way of traditional filmic intervals (aka intermissions), the second half of the set continues with strangely selective hits from the 90s and early 21st century. As the uber-expressive periods of Indian independence, the 1950s, 60s, and 70s are the focus of the first disc with a transitional mix of authentic Indian and energetic, Western styles. Included is a track-by-track liner booklet that lists basic artistic credits and explains why each song was selected in succinct terms. The two-disc, near two-hour, album from Silva Screen is also a decent primer for newcomers to the famed (or infamous) industry. Since media and time stand still for no one, this Anthology of Songs from Popular Indian Cinema is a robust collection of highlights ranging from the glittering golden age to recent years.
Every society (small or large) indulges in popular forms of "art" that may or may not be agreeable with purist minorities. But to many that relish Mumbai\'s masala marathons, lip-synched diversions with their characteristic love triangles, (dance) musicals, and Hindi mixed with lyrical Urdu, Bollywood is straight-up cultural identity. And an overly cultivated portion of viewers will visibly balk and state that the word, industry - entire vibe - is synonymous with "kitsch", "commercial", or "bad cinema". Slightly more knowledgeable folk will be acquainted with the art-house, semi-diluted depiction in Monsoon Wedding. "What\'s Bollywood?" Those asking the question may be vaguely familiar with the featured frenetic dance clip of "Jaan Pehechaan Ho" in Terry Zwigoff\'s Ghost World. "Zindagi Jhoom Kar (Aur Pyar Ha Gaya)" - Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan "Jooma Chumma De De (Hum)" - Sudesh Bhosle / Kavita Krishnamurthy "Rang De (Thakshak)" - Asha Bhosle & Chorus "Na Tum Jano Na Hum (Kaho Na Pyar Hai)" - Lucky All / Ramya "Ed Ladki Ke Dekha (1942: A Love Story)" - Kumar Sanu "Khamoshiyan Gungunane Lagi (One 2 Ka 4)" - A.R. "Come Closer (Kasam Paida Karnewale Ki)" - Salma Agha "Ek Doosre Se Karte Hai (Hum)" - Sudesh Bhosle / Mohd Aziz / Udit Narayan "Didi Tera Devar Deewana (Hum Aapke Hain Koun)" - Lata Mangeshkar & S.P. "Chand mera dil (Hum Kisise Kim Naheen)" - Mohammed Rafiĭisc 2: Bollywood: An Anthology of Songs from Popular Indian Cinema "Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Mein Khayal Aata (Kabhie Kabhie)" - Lata Mangeshkar & Mukesh "Chura Liya Hai Tum Ne (Yaadon Ki Baaraat" - Asha Bhosle & Mohammed Rafi "Sawan Ka Mahina (Milan)" - Lata Mangeshkar "Roop Tera Mastana (Aradhana)" - Kishore Kumar "Madhuban Mein Radhika (Kohinoor)" - Mohammed Rafi "Dum Maro Dum (Hare Rama Hare Krishna)" - Asha Bhosle & Chorus "Aayega Aanewala (Mahal)" - Lata Mangeshkar "Ramaiya Vastavaiya (Shree 420)" - Lata Mangesgkar / Mohammed Rafi / Mukesh "Jhumka Gira Re (Mera Saaya)" - Asha Bhosle "Mera Naam Chin Chin Chu (Howrah Bridge)" - Geeta Dutt Track Listing Disc 1: Bollywood: An Anthology of Songs from Popular Indian Cinema