Hariharan on experimenting with music: ‘Innovation fascinates me’

Imagine a confluence of ghazal and jazz What you get is Ab Chhalakte Hue a soulful number sung by one of Indian musicrsquos most expressive voices Hariharan The ghazal produced by SalimSulaiman as part of their Bhoomi 2025 event gave the veteran singer another opportunity to explore the beauty of fusion music In a chat with midday Hariharan reflects on his love for experimentation and how the identity of a playback singer has transformed over the yearsExcerpts from the interviewWhat drew you to Ab Chhalakte HueIt resonated deeply with me from the very first listen There was something timeless about its composition mdash an eloquent conversation between melody and emotion Working with Prithvi Gandharv cosinger was a joy He carries sincerity in his singing and that is the first mark of a true artiste As one of my students itrsquos fulfilling to see him evolve into his own voice while remaining anchored in tradition SalimndashSulaimanrsquos arrangement is the invisible spine of this creation where jazz textures Indian instrumentation and pristine sound design flow seamlessly around the vocalsAb Chhalakte Hue is a ghazal with elements of jazz Does such musical experimentation excite youInnovation fascinates me most when it emerges from tradition Years ago when I created Urdu Blues with Ye Aaine Se 2000 it was my way of blending the poetic intensity of ghazals with the improvisational spirit of blues Ab Chhalakte Hue continues that journey mdash it carries a similar fusion but this time it converses with jazz Recently Irsquove been exploring what I call ldquoBossa Nova Ghazalsrdquo mdash a blend of Urdu poetry with the rhythmic sophistication of Latin American Bossa Nova Itrsquos tender lyrical but it sways differently Yoursquoll hear more of it soon in my albumHariharan Salim Sulaiman Merchant and Prithvi GandharvHow has the identity of a playback singer evolved since you began your career five decades agoThe modern singer is no longer confined to playback They are composers producers and storytellers I find that empowering Earlier we lent our voice to someone elsersquos vision today singers can build their own worlds Platforms like Bhoomi embody this evolution They honour individuality while celebrating collaborationYoursquove sung ghazals film music fusion and devotional songs How do you maintain your unique vocal identity across genresFor me the key is emotional integrity Technique is the servant emotion is the master Whether itrsquos a khayaal ghazal or pop ballad I let the emotion lead Over time I realised that your voice carries its own imprint mdash if you remain honest to the song your individuality will shine through naturallyYour classical foundation is often credited for your versatility How does classical training shape a singerrsquos approach todayClassical training gives you command over not only notes but also silence It teaches balance patience and respect for rasaLooking back is there a song that defined your artistic evolutionEach phase has shaped me from ghazals to Colonial Cousins to film music across Hindi and Tamil cinema and devotional work But if I must choose my venturing into fusion music marked a turning point They reminded me that music is a living organism mdash it grows evolves and renews itself with every generationYour advice to aspiring singers Be rooted before you branch out Learn deeply practise sincerely and never lose your curiosity Donrsquot chase trends chase authenticity Keep your riyaaz constant Itrsquos a daily dialogue that refines your art and soul