10 Questions: Hariharan

Ghazals, pop, fusion, film cuts... this colonial cousin does everything.

     How does one define Hariharan, the musician?

     A performer who belongs to a rare breed. That's it.

     In your diversified career, can you think of one flawed musical
     experiment?

     It is difficult to think of any. Besides, silence is golden.

     Don't you think you should be singing more ghazals and
     semi-classical numbers compared to the pop tracks in the Halka
     Nasha album?

     Not at all. I don't think so.

     Aren't you worried about critical backlash in response to such a
     halka album from you?

     Nasha should always be halka. Moreover, there are good songs in
     the album.

     While you were in London to record Colonial Cousins' episode of
     MTV Unplugged, you were reportedly robbed and injured. Has the
     money come back, and the injury healed?

     The money has not come back yet, and the injuries are still
     healing.

     Colonial Cousins has been a phenomenal commercial success.
     Surely, it means a lot of fame and money -- and perhaps, a Grammy
     too?

     Yes. It certainly means that.

     You are one of A. R. Rahman's favourite singers. Who is your
     favourite music director?

     A. R. Rahman. Who else?

     You have done ghazals, film songs, mainstream pop, fusion music
     too. When does one expect a rap number from you?

     That is one thing you should not expect. However, I have a lot of
     respect for rappers because I don't know how to rap myself.

     A person who does everything save for rapping -- is that the way
     you would like to be known to the future generations?

     Let me put it this way. I would like to be known as the master of
     all trades, I mean, musical styles.

     Your musical preferences explain your range. What explains your
     ponytail?

     Samson. The strength in my music comes from my ponytail.

     
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