Mumbai, April 2: In an era where the music industry is rapidly evolving and technology is evident in every song, some artists continue to advocate for authentic, heartfelt music. Renowned singer Haricharan believes that human emotion is crucial in music. In a recent interview, he expressed that songs enhanced by machines often feel mechanical to him.
Born on April 3, 1955, in a Tamil family in Mumbai, Haricharan’s connection with music began in his childhood. Both of his parents were involved in classical music, creating an environment filled with practice and melodies. This background led him to start learning music at a very young age, often practicing for hours daily, which added depth and sweetness to his voice.
Haricharan was educated in Mumbai’s schools and colleges, but his passion for music remained unwavering. He began his career with concerts and television, facing significant struggles in the early days but never losing hope. His breakthrough came in 1977 when he won the singing competition ‘All India Sur Singar Competition,’ which helped him gain recognition in the industry.
Famous composer Jaidev offered him a chance to sing in the film ‘Gaman,’ and his first song, “Ajeeb Sanahaa Mujh Par Guzar Gaya, Yaaron,” became an instant hit, earning him nominations for awards.
His career took a significant turn when he collaborated with A.R. Rahman. The song “Roja Jaane Man” from the film ‘Roja’ remains popular today. He went on to deliver several superhit songs like “Tu Hi Re,” “Baahon Ke Darmiyaan,” and “Jhoka Hawa Ka,” each infused with his unique voice.
Not limited to film songs, Haricharan has also made a name for himself in the world of Ghazals. The tranquility and depth of his Ghazals resonate deeply with listeners, and his hit Ghazal albums continue to be cherished.
In his interview, Haricharan shared his views on the increasing reliance on technology in the music industry, stating that songs are often so enhanced by machines that they lose their human essence. He believes that a true singer is one who can express emotions through their voice, rather than relying on technology to sound good.
Throughout his illustrious career, Haricharan has sung thousands of songs in multiple languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada, making him equally popular across the country. In recognition of his hard work and contributions, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri, and he has also won the National Award twice.