Hariharan was born on April 3, 1955 and has spent most of his life in Bombay. Hariharan's musical education commenced at a very young age, he is the son of Alamelu and the Late H A S Mani, both Carnatic vocalists, his mother is his guru as well. He was exposed to traditional Carnatic music initially but was drawn to the Ghazal style of singing after being exposed to Mehdi Hassan's music. He subsequently sang a ghazal for the Hindi film Gaman for Jaidev and his playback singing career began.

He has amassed a formidable repertoire of both ghazal albums, including Gulfam, Kaash and a number of Hindi and Tamil film songs. Who can forget his voice in the beautiful song "Tu Hi Re" for AR Rahman in ManiRatnam's "Bombay", his "breathless" rendition of "Nahin Saamne " in Taal and his vibrancy in "Chhappa Chhappa" for Vishal Bharadwaj in "Maachis" and his soulfulness in "Vennilave Vennilave" in the Tamil film "Minsara Kanavu".

In 1996, Hariharan in collaboration with Leslie Lewis presented "Colonial Cousins", a fusion album which earned them tremendous accolades and awards. He explored his classical roots and improvisations in many of the songs in this album, which was a pathbreaking, step in the fusion genre. Mr.Hariharan has been felicitated with many honors and awards including the national Award for "Mere Dushman Mere Bhai" from the movie "Border". He is certainly an integral part of the music scene and also represents an innovative breed of musicians from whom we can expect much greatness in the future as well.

Mr. Hariharan is currently touring the US and is scheduled to perform in a series of concerts. His first concert was held recently in the Boston area and performed at The John Hancock Hall in Berkeley Street in Boston on July 19, 2002. I was fortunate to meet this talented singer and also spoke to him the following day by phone to learn a little more about what makes Hariharan tick……

MS: Mr. Hariharan, it's a pleasure to talk to you. Welcome to Boston! How did you enter the world of ghazal-style singing with your strong South Indian/Carnatic background?

HH: I was learning "Khayal" style North Indian classical music from Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan which is similar in many ways to Carnatic music with a strong emphasis on Boltaan and sargam. I was exposed to Mehdi Hassan and his Ghazal style of music (Ghazal means poetry) and I felt that the beautiful, romantic lyrics enhanced the classical nature of music and brought out the best of both styles.

MS: After listening to you performance, yesterday, I can see you favor the ghazal-style of singing:
HH: Yes, I love the tunes, the poetry and the opportunity to improvise. I do think I lose myself in ghazals….

MS: When did you decide to pursue singing as a professional career rather than a passion or interest?
HH: I think the turning point was in 1977 when I began to perform professionally in concerts/TV etc. I did have to struggle to get a foothold for 7-8 years before I could move on. 1977 was also the year I performed my first playback for the movie "Gaman" under the baton of late music director Jaidev..

MS: What makes a song challenging to you to perform?
HH: That's difficult to answer. Most songs are in fact not too challenging to perform. I can't really define what makes a song challenging but if I have creative freedom to add to the song as I perform, I find that very stimulating.

MS: Can you predict if a song is going to be a "Hit" when you are recording it?
HH: I can certainly get a feel if the song is going to be liked during the recording process but if it's a film song, the success of the song is usually related to the success of the film itself!

MS: What are your personal thoughts on AR Rahman?
HH: I think AR Rahman is a musical pioneer in his own way. He has established new trends, introduced a number of new voices and has redefined the sound of Indian film music. He is really one of the best things to have happened to Indian Music.

MS: How do you define "fusion" in the context of your phenomenally successful album " Colonial Cousins"? Any new albums in this genre?
HH: Colonial Cousins was the first album to present fusion in the song format. We presented the two vocal styles of music (Indian classical/folk and western) side by side, which was quite different from the instrumental fusion albums. I am currently working with Ranjit Barot who is a drummer on a project.

MS: How do you feel about the use of computers/ high tech systems in the music recording industry?
HH: The technology can be used but should not be misused. It takes artistry to combine technology and music to find the perfect balance.

MS: What music do you listen to in your spare time?
HH: I listen to khayal style classical music. I'm not a voracious listener of western music.

MS: Who are your favorite singers/performers?
HH: Mehdi Hassan and Asha Bhonsle.

MS: Do you teach young aspiring singers? Are you a mentor?
HH: Due to my hectic schedule, I do not get much time to teach on a regular schedule. I do guide 2-3 young singers in the ghazal-style of music.

MS: What about your 2 sons? Are they interested in music?
HH: Yes, they are. Both of them learn music and are undergoing vocal training (not by me, though!). My older son also plays the guitar.

MS: What is the contribution of your near and extended family in your success?
HH: my mother has been my main inspiration. My uncles have also been very supportive and encouraging of my aspirations, not to mention my wife and children.

MS: What is your practice schedule on a daily basis/
HH: I usually practice for about 2 hours everyday in the morning. On days that I perform, I tend to rest my voice and do a 10-15 minute warm-up.

MS: Do you have a vocal regimen?
HH: I avoid oily foods and excessively cold foods.

MS: What new trends in music do you see in the next few years?
HH: I believe there is going to be a more global face to music with give and take between various musical cultures and styles. I do see a shift to " World Music".

MS: Hariji, any thoughts for the Lokvani readers and all your fans in the US?
HH: I would like to convey my love and regards to all my fans who have supported me. I would also like to invite them to attend my concert, I promise they will have a wonderful time!

MS: Hariji, thanks for your time. I wish you continued success and a very successful tour.
HH: Thank you.

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