Yes, I agree we need light entertainment. Musical Comedies that are genuinely funny and loaded with great songs.
There was little genuine wit or cleverness in BOMBAY DREAMS. The songs were tuneful but the lyrics were bland and repetitive. I am, of course, discounting numbers like "Shakalaka Baby" which are supposed to be parodies of Bollywood production numbers and that is what made the song fun. Well, that plus the fountain.
Compare the book and score of BD with, say DRS, and you'll see a world of difference in the level of writing.
I'm not saying that you and your friends shouldn't enjoy BOMBAY DREAMS, but don't make it out to be better than it is.
I have noticed on BWW a lot of people assume that just because they like a show it is therefore great. No. You can like a show that is less than great, but look at it critically.
BTW, while gave the show (i.e., the writing) 22/50 I did give 40/50 for the production (design, staging.)
Cast albums are NOT "soundtracks."
Live theatre does not use a "soundtrack." If it did, it wouldn't be live theatre!
I host a weekly one-hour radio program featuring cast album selections as well as songs by cabaret, jazz and theatre artists. The program, FRONT ROW CENTRE is heard Sundays 9 to 10 am and also Saturdays from 8 to 9 am (eastern times) on www.proudfm.com