Do you know the true meaning of ‘Katiya Karoon’? This cult Rockstar song has a 63-year-old spiritual story behind it. Do you know the real meaning of ‘Katiya Karoon’, 63 years old spiritual story is hidden behind this cult song of Rockstar.

The music of Imtiaz Ali’s film ‘Rockstar’, released in 2011, is still an important part of people’s playlist. Every song of the film tells a story in itself, but there has always been a curiosity in the minds of the audience about ‘Katiya Karoon’. This song, sung in the velvety voice of Harshdeep Kaur, is as sweet to hear as its meaning is equally deep and spiritual. Come, let us know the hidden truth behind this blockbuster song of Rockstar.

The history of this song is 63 years old

Very few people know that ‘Katiya Karoon’ is not an ordinary film song, but a traditional Punjabi folk song. In the traditions of rural India, women used to sing it while spinning yarn on the charkha while waiting for their beloved. This song was heard for the first time on the cinema screen in the voice of famous singer Shamshad Begum in the 1963 film ‘Pind Di Kudi’. A.R. Rahman revived it in a modern and Sufi style for Rockstar.

What is the real meaning of the lyrics of ‘Katiya Karoon’?

When lyricist Irshad Kamil wrote it for Rockstar, he took its meaning to new heights. ‘Saari Raatein Katiya Karoon’ does not just mean spinning the charkha. From the perspective of Sufi philosophy, this means that a lover spends the entire night remembering his or her beloved, chanting his or her name.

• Charkha: Symbol of the process of breathing, which continues till the end of life.

• Spinning: Repeatedly chanting the name of the lover, which we also call ‘Naam Japan’ or Ibadat.

Reflection of rebel and free hero

In the film ‘Rockstar’, ‘Katiya Karoon’ was used to express the emotions of the character Heer (Nargis Fakhri). This song reflects Heer’s free-spirited and rebellious nature. Through the song, it is shown how Heer wants to openly embrace her suppressed desires and wishes. A.R. Rahman’s music and Irshad Kamil’s words together make it not just a love song, but an allegory of self-surrender and deep longing.

A cult song that made everyone dance

Even though other songs from the film like ‘Naadan Parindey’ or ‘Kun Faaya Kun’ gained immense popularity, ‘Katiya Karoon’ has its own unique spiritual glow. Harshdeep Kaur’s singing made this song immortal. If you also hum this song, then next time you listen to it, definitely feel the wait and prayer hidden in its words, which has kept this song alive for 63 years.