With the song making its comeback on Instagram Reels, it is quite unfortunate that there exists a major portion of the younger generation that has not had the privilege to witness first-hand the groove mastered by A. R. Rahman in his creation ‘Masakali’. Rahman’s iconic song not only introduced a new musical standard for India but also revitalized the nation’s cultural landscape.
Almost every Indian has been a witness to the legend’s immense growth and popularity. Yet, what part of his musical journey still continues to inspire the millions who yearn for a taste from his plate? Born to parents R. K. Shekhar from a Mudaliar family, who was also a film-score composer and conductor for Tamil and Malayalam films and mother, Kareema (born Kashturi), Rahman obviously had the composing genes imbibed in his person. Due to the untimely death of his father, he had to take on the responsibility of his family at the mere age of nine! But, taking adversity as a life lesson, it is interesting to notice how his genius created a new wave for Indian music.
Why ‘Masakali’?
‘Masakali’ is a song meant for the free spirited. The brilliant composition adds to the romantic and immaterial part of being connected with your roots that only the native can perceive. Featuring a dove which has, since times immemorial, been regarded as the symbol of peace, the music video depicts the releasing of the bird, a carrier of freedom and free spirit. You may realise that the country you’re born in is dogmatic and not always fitting into the utopia that you created in your head. But for you to fly high, it is the reconnection which is important, the honest assessment of your land as something imperfect yet innately yours.
Maybe that is the reason why the song has received immense acclaim, even earning A.R. Rahman the prestigious Best Music Director at the 55th Filmfare Awards. More importantly, the song also topped the Indian charts for more than 34 continuous weeks and was proclaimed the most successful song of that year.
The list of accolades won by the song are endless, but the following are definitely the proudest wins. It emerged as the biggest winner in the Airtel Mirchi Music Awards – 2009, sweeping almost all the categories as:
Best Song Arranger and Programmer – A.R. Rahman
Best Song of the Year
Best Music Director of the Year – A.R. Rahman
Best Male vocalist of the Year – Mohit Chauhan
Best Lyricist of the Year – Prasoon Joshi
The Maestro’s rich career has only been on the rise and it is exciting to anticipate what he has in store for the future. For now, we can reminisce a bit of the past with the all time bop ‘Masakali’.
