Manooghi Hi: Don't fall for Mumbai pop singer Mehnaz's comeback

"Send your ears on an aural adventure from Seattle straight to India with Manooghi Hi," begins this article in the Seattle Times and you know right away that they're falling for it. "The "bombagrunge" band matches the hard beats of Seattle rock with captivating strains of Indian pop, creating a fresh mix both mesmerizing and addictive."

But to ears in Mumbai Manooghi Hi sounds like straight up exoticism: the musical equivalent of snake charmers and children selling you peacock feathers at the traffic lights.

Originally from Mumbai Mehnaz Hoosein, 36, had one hit song in 1996 called "Banoongi Mein Miss India", and now fronts a six-member Seattle band whom she met while on vacation in America. They named their band Manooghi Hi because the other band members couldn't pronounce "Banoongi Mein" properly.

"It's a combination of two cultures," said producer and guitarist Todd Fogelsonger. "It's not a Seattle band trying to be Indian, or an Indian singer trying to be Western." Who could have said it better?

When asked by HT Cafe today, why they haven't performed in India yet, Hoosein says they're looking to make a mark in the regional circuit in America first. Manooghi Hi has already had some opportunities to perform at South by South West, Sundance and Bumbershoot festivals.

Sadly their music is strictly for those who don't know better. Because if you're into that bindi wearing, midriff baring, Hindu god name dropping Indo-American global music soundspace, the group you're looking for is Shaa'ir + Func.

Hit this button, hear what happens, feel the difference.