Hariharan Celebrates 50 Years of Ghazal Singing with New Album Jaan Meri
Few voices in Indian music possess the emotional depth and remarkable versatility of Hariharan. From timeless film melodies such as Tu Hi Re, Roja Jaaneman, Ay Hairathe, and Bahon Ke Darmiyan to his extensive work in ghazals, the legendary vocalist has inspired generations of music lovers. As he marks five decades of ghazal singing with his latest album Jaan Meri, Hariharan reflects on iconic songs, periods of creative drought, the revival of ghazals, and the explosive growth of India's concert culture in an exclusive conversation.
Unforgettable Bollywood Melodies and Personal Favorites
When asked about the Bollywood songs that remain closest to his heart, Hariharan highlighted several tracks. Jhonka Hawa was a particular favorite because it told a compelling story through its musical progression. He also expressed deep affection for the Tamil song Pachai Nirame and an AR Rahman composition, Tum Ho Meri Nigahon Pe from Kabhi Na Kabhi, written by Javed Akhtar. Hariharan believes this symphonic masterpiece did not receive the recognition it truly deserved.
Regarding the iconic romantic track Tu Hi Re, Hariharan humorously noted that it has become his Aadhaar card, instantly connecting him with audiences wherever he goes. The song has transcended generations, retaining its profound emotional power and widespread appeal.
Navigating Creative Droughts and Artistic Evolution
Between 2008 and 2012, Hariharan experienced a phase of reduced visibility in the music industry. He candidly described this period as not being creatively fulfilling, during which he released only one album, Waqt Par Bolna. Extensive touring with AR Rahman and the lack of a personal recording studio contributed to this slowdown. However, the moment he established his own studio in 2012, a flood of new tunes emerged, reigniting his creative output.
Hariharan emphasized that creative droughts are a common experience for all artists. Sometimes, the best approach is to remain silent and allow such phases to pass naturally. His diverse career, including film songs and his fusion band Colonial Cousins with Leslee Lewis, has taught him the value of patience and artistic resilience.
The Revival of Ghazals and Musical Heritage
With the release of Jaan Meri, celebrating 50 years of ghazal singing, Hariharan observes a clear resurgence in the genre. He notes that many young people are now listening to and performing ghazals, appreciating their poetic depth. The structure of ghazals, with elements like matla, sher, and maqta, allows each couplet to explore diverse themes, from romance to social commentary, making them uniquely adaptable to musical composition.
Born into a family of classical musicians in Matunga, Hariharan's upbringing profoundly shaped his journey. His father served as the principal of Shanmukhananda Sabha, while his mother taught Carnatic music to over 1,500 students. Although he acknowledges lacking the patience for teaching, his early exposure to both Western rock music at Don Bosco School and Indian classical traditions fostered a seamless ability to sing in any language or style.
Explosive Growth of India's Concert Culture
The live music scene in India has undergone tremendous expansion in recent years. Hariharan reports that he is now performing nearly four times as many concerts as in the past, a trend mirrored across the industry. This boom reflects a growing public desire to experience music live, which he views as a healthy development. Music, he believes, has healing properties and intoxicates without side effects, engaging audiences through the universal rhythm of the beating heart.
When questioned about potential saturation in the concert circuit due to rapid growth, Hariharan responded with lighthearted humor, suggesting that any such risk might only materialize after his retirement. He remains optimistic about the continued vitality of live performances, celebrating the immersive and beautiful experiences they create for both artists and audiences alike.
