Celebrating half a century in music, Hariharan – the voice behind iconic ghazals, film hits, and fusion anthems – reflects on a career built on purity and passion. This exclusive reveals his family roots, Rahman synergy, multilingual mastery, and more.
Music wove into Hariharan’s fabric from infancy in a melody-rich household. ‘It was life’s essence, not a job. Bollywood debut demanded resilience; I preserved my originality, shunning copies,’ he asserts.
Collaborating with A.R. Rahman? ‘Like friends aligned in vision-sharing. He empowers singers; you sponge his concepts, breathing life into them. Endlessly motivating.’
Ghazals demand revival for today’s instant world, per Hariharan. ‘Make them accessible yet soulful.’ His album ‘Jaan Meri’ pioneers ‘Ghazal-Nova,’ wedding traditional essence to bossa nova pulses.
Colonial Cousins era with Leslie Lewis was transformative. ‘Boundary-breaking energy persists in our chats. Fusion survives through honest creativity.’
Over 10 languages sung: ‘Each pulses with distinct energy; absorb and emote truly.’ In 50 years, he retains rookie curiosity in studios, success a light yoke, career his memory capsule.