Mumbai, March 1: Renowned playback singer Hariharan, celebrated for his soul-stirring voice across ghazals, film songs, and fusion music, opens up about his five-decade journey in an exclusive interview. With unwavering commitment to originality, Hariharan has redefined Indian music, blending tradition with innovation.
‘Music isn’t just my profession; it’s the natural rhythm of my existence,’ Hariharan shares, reflecting on his upbringing in a music-infused family. ‘From childhood, ragas filled our home. Entering the film industry was tough because I refused to mimic others. I preserved my unique voice and style, never compromising on authenticity.’
Speaking glowingly of his collaboration with A.R. Rahman, Hariharan likens it to ‘two friends sharing a vision on the same ladder.’ He praises Rahman as an inspiration who elevates singers, urging them to absorb ideas like a sponge while infusing personal soul. ‘Every session with him is invigorating.’
Addressing the evolution of ghazals in today’s fast-paced world, Hariharan emphasizes adaptation. ‘Ghazals touch the soul, but to reach Gen Z amid instant gratification culture, we must modernize them.’ His latest album ‘Jaan Meri’ fuses traditional ghazals with contemporary bossa nova rhythms, dubbing it ‘Ghazal-Nova.’
On fusion music, he recalls the groundbreaking era of Colonial Cousins with Leslie Lewis. ‘It was pure energy that shattered boundaries. We still connect over music. Fusion thrives on imagination and honesty.’
Having sung in over 10 languages, Hariharan treats each as a distinct energy source. ‘I soak in every language, capturing the emotions behind words.’ After 50 years, he approaches recordings with childlike curiosity, unburdened by success, viewing his career as a cherished time capsule of memories.