Short Summary
Hariharan is a renowned Indian playback and ghazal singer known for his remarkable contributions to Indian music. With a career spanning several decades, he has become a celebrated figure in both the classical and popular music spheres. His unique ability to seamlessly blend classical and contemporary styles has earned him numerous accolades and a devoted fan base. Hariharan's work has significantly influenced the Indian music landscape, making him a revered artist both nationally and internationally.
Early Life & Education
Born on April 3, 1955, in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Hariharan hails from a musically inclined family. His father, H.A.S. Mani, was a renowned Carnatic musician, and his mother, Alamelu, was a trained musician as well. This musical environment fostered his early interest in music. He completed his schooling in Chennai before pursuing a degree in science. Despite his academic pursuits, his passion for music remained strong, leading him to train under various classical music gurus. His diverse musical background laid the foundation for his versatile singing career.
Career Highlights
Hariharan's career took off in the late 1970s when he began singing playback for Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, and Telugu films. His breakthrough came with the song "Thamizha Thamizha" from the 1992 Tamil film "Roja," composed by A.R. Rahman. He became known for his soulful renditions and ghazals, establishing himself as a leading figure in Indian music. Hariharan also ventured into fusion music, forming the band Colonial Cousins with Leslie Lewis, which gained widespread acclaim. His ability to adapt and innovate within various musical genres has been instrumental in his enduring success.
Major Achievements
- Padma Shri Award in 2004: Recognized by the Government of India for his contributions to the arts.
- National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer in 1998: Honored for his song "Mere Dushman" from the film "Border."
- Several Filmfare Awards: Acknowledged for his outstanding performances in playback singing.
- GIMA Award for Best Fusion Album: Won for the album "Colonial Cousins" with Leslie Lewis.
Famous Quotes
- "Music is a universal language that transcends boundaries."
- "Every song is a journey that tells a story."
Interesting Facts
- Hariharan is fluent in Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, and Telugu, allowing him to sing in multiple languages.
- He was inspired by legendary ghazal singers like Mehdi Hassan and Jagjit Singh.
- His collaboration with A.R. Rahman has been a significant element of his career, yielding numerous hit songs.
- He has been a judge on various Indian music reality shows, nurturing young talent.
- Hariharan is also known for his experimentation with different musical styles, including jazz and rock.
Legacy / Influence
Hariharan's legacy in Indian music is marked by his versatility and innovation. He has inspired a generation of singers to explore diverse musical genres and has played a pivotal role in popularizing ghazals among younger audiences. His collaborations, especially those with A.R. Rahman and Leslie Lewis, have left an indelible mark on contemporary Indian music, making him a significant figure in its evolution.
FAQ
Q: Why is Hariharan famous?
A: He is famous for his contributions to Indian playback singing and ghazals, as well as his innovative fusion music projects.
Q: What are some of his most popular songs?
A: Some of his popular songs include "Roja Jaaneman," "Tu Hi Re," and "Chappa Chappa Charkha Chale."
Q: Has he received any national awards?
A: Yes, he was awarded the Padma Shri in 2004 and has won a National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer.
Q: What is his contribution to fusion music?
A: As part of Colonial Cousins, he helped popularize fusion music by blending Indian classical with Western genres.
