Playback maestro Hariharan, whose mellifluous renditions have spanned genres and languages for 50 years, dishes on his passion-driven life in music. In this in-depth interview, he discusses staying true to his art, cherished collaborations, and future visions.
‘Home was always scented with ragas; music was my innate companion, not a planned vocation,’ Hariharan begins. Facing Bollywood’s pressures, he held firm: ‘I never aped anyone, safeguarding my distinctive timbre throughout.’
His rapport with A.R. Rahman stands out as a highlight. ‘Rahman’s genius turns collaborations into elevation – singers become stepping stones in his vision. You absorb, adapt, and add your spirit. Pure inspiration every time.’
On ghazals amid modern haste, Hariharan advocates fusion with contemporaneity. ‘To woo the Swiggy generation, ghazals need a trendy twist.’ Enter ‘Jaan Meri,’ his bold album blending timeless ghazals with bossa nova, christened ‘Ghazal-Nova’ for its innovative groove.
Fusion music’s legacy via Colonial Cousins remains vivid. ‘That phase demolished musical walls; Leslie and I continue brainstorming. Its future lies in genuine innovation.’
Singing in 10+ languages is ‘immersing in their energies,’ he says. ‘Grasp the emotions lyrics conceal.’ Five decades on, he records with the same innocent eagerness, unencumbered by fame, his career a treasured vessel of unforgettable moments.