Masakali- Break Free & Fly High

When Delhi-6 released(in 2009), everybody was only talking two things at that point of time, the long Anarkali suits(Sonam Kapoor created a fashion statement rather havoc with the song) and Masakali song. Masakali song was composed by A.R.Rahman, sung by Mohit Chauhan and lyrics written by Prasoon Joshi. 

I remember watching this song for the first time on TV and being amused by its lyrics, music and the way it was sung by Mohit Chahuhan. There is so much natkhat and flair in the song. Since that day I really started liking Sonam Kapoor. I liked her in Saawariya but I felt in Delhi-6, she was more alive and beautiful(may be because of the characters). The song was so catchy that whenever it came on TV, I would rush to the TV room from wherever I used to be and just to listen to the song. I also loved the choreography specially the hook step. I don't how many times I must have tried to master that hook step, alone in my room, putting on the song when my dad got me Delhi-6 music DVD. 

Masakali is the name of the white pigeon which is dancing on Sonam’s head. The white pigeon has alsofound it’s way perched on the Delhi 6 logo. 

The song depicts peace and love which is the essential soul of the film. The song is also Bittu’s (Sonam Kapoor) aspiration to break free and fly high. It also depicts freedom and happiness. Bittu is symbolized as Masakali. Perhaps. That's why you have the bird almost every time Bittu appears in many scenes. An entire song on Masakali(also on Bittu) is dedicated to it by the same name. 

Just look at the lyrics, they are so apt with the  bird and Bittu. 

Aye Masakali Masakali                                                                 

Ud Matakli Matakali 

Aye Masakali Masakali 

Ud Matakali Matakali

Zara Pankh Jhatak 

Gayi Dhool Atak 

Aur Lachak Machak Ke 

Door Bhatak

Ud Dagar Dagar Kasbe Kuche 

Nukkad Basti Mein 

Itdi Se Mud Ada Se Ud 

Kar Le Puri Dil Ki Tamanna 

Hawa Se Jud 

Ada Se Ud

Phurr Bhurr Bhurrr Phurr T

u Hai Heera Panna Ree

It means

Hey Masakali! 

Just waddle and fly!

Flap your wings 

There is some dust in them 

Be flexible and wander far away

Fly over roads,cities, 

Street corners and dwellings 

Turn with pleaure 

Fly with style 

Fulfill your desires 

Unite yourself with the wind

Fly away like never before

You are diamond and emerald

The lyricicst is trying to tell to Masakali(or Bittu), not worry about anything and fly high in the sky. Fulfill all your desires and wishes, never succumb to any pressure of the society. I also felt that the lyricist also wanted Masakali and Bittu to be themselves and be proud of who they are. Both of them are meant to fly; the bird in the sky and Bittu in her life to fulfill her ambitions. The song also wants both of them to retain their purity,innocence and naughtiness throughout their lives.  

 I fell in love with Sonam Kapoor after watching her in the film,specially after this song. She was absolutely uninhibited and natural throughout the film. Its one of her best performances till date. Bittu was one of the major highlights of the film just like Masakali was the major highlight of the song.

There is a cute moment in the song, where Roshan(Abhishek Bachchan) sees Bittu dancing and imitates her movements. I really liked it.

My most favorite bit of the lyrics is

Udiyo Na Dariyo 

Kar Manmaani Manmaani Manmaani 

Badhiyo Naa Mudiyo 

Kar Nadaani

which means

Fly without fear 

Act of your heart’s accord 

Keep progressing,don’t return 

Be irrational

I was really surprised to know how much depth and meaning there is in this song . It not only talks about flying high but also following your heart and break free from all the barriers. A lot of the lyrics also signify the relationship of the bird with the sky.

Ghar Tera Saloni 

Badal Ki Colony 

Dekhlaade Thenga In Sabko 

Jo Udna Na Jane

which means

Your home is beautiful, 

In the colony of clouds 

Tease all those

 Who don’t know how to fly

I also loved choreography of the song (the bird on Bittu's shoulder and head). Very free flowing yet fun loving. 

Masakali

Also the pigeon motif is evident throughout the film, even in the songs Rehna Tu and Dil Gira Daftan, two gems from the same album. Their picturisation too is brilliant. 

Rehna Tu

Look at the way Bittu is swaying holding the pigeon, as if she is the bird and is ready to fly. Also the blue skies here (and in Masakali song too) convey that Bittu's flight cannot be suppressed by the societies prejudices and demands. 

                                      

                                   

There is a moment in the film where Roshan is attracted towards Masakali and takes pictures of it through mobile phone. But as the film progresses, we see him taking pictures of Bittu instead of Masakali(another example where Bittu and Masakali symbolize each other). We can also see his growing fondness and love towards Bittu. For him, Bittu's beauty and spirit is similar to Masakali's beauty and spirit.

There is also something about Bittu's color of anarkalis' specially when she is around Roshan. They are light/faded colors like light/sky blue, white, light green etc. The color palate of her clothes gets lighter and lighter as we see Roshan-Bittu relationship going from strength to strength in the film. It shows how Bittu is becoming liberated of her fears and under confidence(from her orthodox family) with the help of Roshan. Bittu too starts liking him. Hence, Rehna Tu is a perfect song for Roshan to dedicate to Bittu. He says that he wants her to be herself and never change herself for anybody.

Also we see the Masakali many times with Roshan, it seemed as if he was remembering Bittu or expressing his love for Bittu through the pigeon. For him Masakali was Bittu and Bittu was Masakali.

On various ocassions Bittu is represented as Masakali, be it her dressing, her demeanor or the way she expresses herself. Masakali also symbolizes Bittu-Roshan's love.

In the song, Dil Gira Daftan (a dream song of Roshan), there is a stunning sequence where a painter is painting Bittu with Masakali in her hands. Then we get to see the world inside the painting and the love between Roshan and Bittu. It was fabulous. A dream world in a dream itself. wow!

Dil Gira Daftan

I don't remember any other film where a pigeon is being for displaying somebody's character traits other than a Tamil film called Naayakan(1987) directed by Mani Ratnam starring Kamal Hassan, Saranya, Tinnu Anand, Nassir. Here, pigeon symbolized Velu Nayakan(Kamal Hassan). It was a gangster drama and is one of the greatest films of all times. It also had a pigeon motif throughout the film and had a song on a pigeon called Thenpandi Cheemayile. 

Nayakan

I don't know if there will be a more fun, meaningful and a catchy song like Masakali in future, infact a film like Delhi-6 in future. Its one of the best films in the last 10 years. I wish it got more credit and love from the audiences. Nevertheless, the album of the film deserves to be loved. I will never forget the hook step of the song. Whenever I am happy or cheerful, this is the first song that comes to my mind. Aye Masakali Masakali, ud matakali matakali... 

Anila Velidimalla