By Sunil Ramsamooj

There's no denying that right now the "Slumdog Millionaire" effect is in full force around the world.
Everyone from the Pussycat Dolls to Britney Spears is getting on the Desi train. But before the film,
there was a little Desi influence going unnoticed. Back in 2000 a South London band by the name of
Basement Jaxx released the dance track "Romeo." No, there isn't any South Asian influence in the
song, but in the video, it's pretty much a short Bollywood film that would make even Yash Raj proud.
Seven years later American artist Devendra Banhart offered his track, "Carmensita." And yes, his name
is Devendra, and no he is not Desi. Banhart grew up in Venezuela, his parents named him after an Indian Spiritual leader. In a battle for best Bollywood video, "Carmensita" offers some tough competition for Basement Jaxx's "Romeo," but we'll break it down for you.

If you like the old school Bollywood movie that has heavy hints of religion, "Carmensita" is for you. The
music video starts off like a Bollywood film with an actual "Censor Certificate." Wait, it gets better.
Devendra Banhart plays a prince and has to save the princess, played by Natalie Portman, from an evil
ruler. You get scenes of supposed Gods and random dancing and if you lose track of what's happening,
there are sub-titles. The video gets an A+ in creativity, from the rainbow death ray to Natalie Portman
in a Sari dancing alongside Banhart.

Basement Jaxx's "Romeo" is for the newer generation. The video starts right off the back with the
Bollywood staple, a large group of people dancing. While there is a lot of dancing, there is some
romance in "Romeo" with all the ingredients for a Bollywood love story. There's a dash of fighting, a
couple drops of tears, one giant dance scene towards the end, and of course it finishes off with the
two lovers looking into each other's eyes.

So Desi Hits fans check out the videos and take your pick. Are you going to go for the Devendra
Banhart's classically groovy "Carmensita" with the lovely Natalie Portman or are you more of new
schooler and liking Basement Jaxx's "Romeo." Or, do you just hate both of them? Let us know what
you think.