BENGALURU: On Sunday, Hariharan performed songs he shot to fame with, like Tu Hi Re and Roja, to a paacked hall at Kanteerva Indoor Stadium.
The event also saw the launch of a website for Art For Humanity, an initiative by city-based organisation Ranjini Kalakendra to build a network of artists and patrons, and raise funds for those in need.
Ahead of the show, Express caught a few minutes with him.
Excerpts:
You have sung in many languages. Which do you like best?
I think Urdu is a beautiful and poetic language. I prefer slow and soulful music. In Kannada, I like Krishna Nee Begane Baro.
I have recently concluded my work with Raghu Dixit for a project on Kannada films.
Tell us about your Bengaluru connect.
I have some memories from here. When I was starting out, I used to work in a paper mill in Bengaluru, where I was in charge of a shift. I also did a few gigs in the city back when I was a struggling musician.
What has your biggest struggle over the years been?
Establishing my own signature style has been a struggle. Being known for what I do took me a good eight to nine years. I do not know how to describe my style other than calling it ‘Hariharan style’.
What do you think of contemporary music today?
My son is a huge fan and he has introduced me to electronic music. He is coming out with an album which fuses electronic music with classical. I like Armin van Buuren and Paul van Dyk. I look at the positive points. Today, music is about energy and nerves. The new wave is about drowning in the music. Sometimes, it gets too much. If you can’t take the energy, it puts youngsters off.
What is Art for Humanity and what is your contribution towards it?
It is the coming together of artists, for artists. The aim is to take care of struggling musicians. Young musicians need the push to be put on stage. As the Ambassador, I am willing to help in any way possible.