Born into a family where music was omnipresent, Hariharan never saw it as a career choice but as life’s integral part. ‘Industry entry was challenging; I stuck to my original style, avoiding imitation,’ he recounts. This steadfastness set him apart in a competitive field.

Hariharan reserves special praise for composer A.R. Rahman, calling their partnership profoundly inspiring. ‘Working with Rahman feels like symbiotic creativity – he provides the platform, and you pour your essence into it. It’s like being a sponge for his innovative ideas.’

Turning to ghazals’ relevance today, he notes the need for reinvention. ‘In an era of quick fixes, ghazals must evolve to connect with youth.’ His new release ‘Jaan Meri’ exemplifies this, merging classic ghazal poetry with bossa nova beats in a fresh ‘Ghazal-Nova’ style.

Reflecting on fusion’s golden days with Colonial Cousins, Hariharan says, ‘Leslie and I broke barriers with raw energy. True fusion demands creativity and sincerity to endure.’

A polyglot vocalist fluent in over 10 languages, he explains, ‘Each language carries unique vibes; understanding the sentiment hidden in lyrics is key.’ At 50 years strong, Hariharan maintains the wonder of a novice in the studio, free from the weight of accolades, treasuring his journey as a living archive of musical milestones.