Melbourne-based, world-conquering originators of vintage Bollywood-inspired surf, spy, disco and funk, The Bombay Royale, are about to return with their second album, The Island of Dr Electrico (out June 2 on HopeStreet Recordings via Rocket).

From their unlikely beginnings in the suburban wilds of Melbourne, The Bombay Royale have taken their unique sound to audiences throughout Europe, UK and the USA, where their performances have been met with astonishment and critical acclaim.

In celebration of The Island of Dr Electrico, vocalist Shourov Bhattacharya (a.k.a The Tiger) has put together a crash course in the most “Booty Shaking” Bollywood songs, Bhattacharya guarantees that this mixtape will “get even the most stubborn of wallflowers out there and gyrating.”

You can catch The Bombay Royale in action next month when they launch The Island of Dr Electrico Friday, June 20th and Saturday June 21st  at Howler Bar. 

Mehbooba Mehbooba

“The famous Indian music director R.D. Burman ‘borrowed’ the melody for this track from a Greek composition back in the day and repackaged it for Indian audiences. It’s a classic song that features vintage Bollywood’s most famous dancer, Helen, belly-dancing around a campfire.”

Tu Cheez Badi Hai Mast Mast

“There’s something about this song – it’s been out for 20 years but it’s still stuck in my head. Super hooky. If you ever watch the video look out for the shower-curtain inspired costuming.”

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Jimmy Jimmy Aaja

“Awesome disco track from an 80s movie called ‘Disco Dancer’. The thing about Jimmy is that he is wearing a poncho on the dance floor. Also, listen to the end and you find out that she hates him. Don’t ask why, just enjoy the groove.”

Mil De Yaar (Dr Zeus)

“Not technically Bollywood, but a party playlist isn’t complete without Bhangra representation, and this Dr Zeus track is one of my favourites. If your Punjabi is up to scratch it’s also got a beautiful, bittersweet story in the lyrics.”

Choli Ke Peeche

“I remember this song was controversial when it came out back in the 1990s for its (mildly) suggestive lyrics (‘what’s behind my blouse’). Pretty freaking awesome composition and it’s got a spectacular dance sequence from Bollywood superstar Madhuri Dixit.”

Urvasi Urvasi

“A bit out of left field, this is from composer A.R.Rahman of ‘Jai Ho’ fame and is from South Indian cinema – in Tamil instead of Hindi. I reckon this it’s his best ever, pure genius. Worth looking up on YouTube for the dancing and the see-through bus (no, really).”

Chaiyya Chaiyya

“Super famous song with lots of dancing on top of a train. Then they go under a tunnel, and no one even flinches. It also launched Malaika Aurora’s Bollywood career – she was in Melbourne a couple of weeks ago for the Indian film festival.”

Inhi Logon Ne

“Not your classic party track but I couldn’t leave it out because it’s probably my favourite Bollywood song ever. Gorgeous melody and rhythmically intricate with a killer tabla and ankle bells all the way through. I’ve probably played this a million times.”

Piya Ab Tu Aaja

“This one takes a while to get going, but this classic track from the early 1970s is still instantly recognizable. No song has ever used synchronized panting to such great effect.”