Hariharan, a renowned Indian playback and Ghazal singer, enjoys widespread fame for his exceptional vocal talents. His contribution to the Hindi rendition of “Uyire Uyire,” known as “Tu Hi Re” from the movie Bombay (1995), solidified his place in the music industry.
Wiki/Biography
Hariharan Anantha Subramani was born on April 3, 1955 (age 68 as of 2023) in Thiruvananthapuram, Travancore-Cochin, India. His zodiac sign is Aries. He graduated from S.I.E.S. College, Mumbai, earning a bachelor’s degree in both science and law. His musical training was under the guidance of the esteemed musician Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan.
Physical Appearance
- Height: 5’7″
- Eye Color: Dark Brown
- Hair Color: Salt & Pepper
Family, Caste & Wife
Hariharan’s parents were the celebrated Carnatic vocalists Shrimati Vidushi Alamelu Mani and the late H.A.S. Mani (Anantha Subramani). He is married to Lalitha Hariharan. The couple has two sons: Karan Hariharan (an actor) and Akshay Hariharan (a music composer). They also have a daughter, Lavanya Hariharan.
Career
Initially, Hariharan performed in concert circuits and on television. In 1977, he won the top prize at the All India Sur Singaar Competition. His debut song, “Ajeeb Saneha Mujh Par Gujar Gaya Yaron,” featured in the 1978 film Gaman. He also contributed to TV serials, including Junoon in 1992. His Tamil debut was with “Thamizha Thamizha” in the film Roza (1992), composed by A.R. Rahman. His discography includes over 500 Tamil songs and nearly 200 Hindi songs. One of his early Ghazal albums, “Aabshar-e-Ghazal,” was a collaboration with Asha Bhosle in 1985. In 1996, he co-founded the band “Colonial Cousins” with Lesle Lewis, their debut album being a fusion work.
Awards
Hariharan’s accolades include:
- Padma Shri (2004)
- Lata Mangeshkar Award (2013)
- Kerala State Film Award for Best Singer (2011) for “Pattu Paaduvaan” in “Pattinte Palazhi”
- MTV Asia Viewer’s Choice Award (1997) for Colonial Cousins
- US Billboard Viewer’s Choice Award (1996) for Colonial Cousins
- National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer (1998) for “Mere Dushman” in Border
- National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer (2009) for “Jeev Dangla Gungla Rangla” in Jogwa
Favourite Things
Here’s a glimpse into Hariharan’s preferences:
| Category | Preference |
|---|---|
| Food | South Indian and Italian cuisines |
| Actors (Male) | Amitabh Bachchan, Rajinikanth, Akshay Kumar, Shah Rukh Khan |
| Actresses (Female) | Sridevi, Tabu, Karisma Kapoor, Rekha |
| Singers | Mehdi Hassan, Shreya Ghoshal, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle |
| Musicians | A.R. Rahman, Ghulam Mustafa Khan, Ustad Rais Khan |
Net Worth
His net worth is estimated at approximately $1.5 million (around Rs. 10.4 crores).
Facts
- He was significantly influenced by Mehdi Hassan, calling him his “Soul Guru.”
- He dedicated 13 hours daily to vocal practice.
- He sings in multiple languages including Tamil, Hindi, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, Bhojpuri, and Telugu.
- His mother, Alamelu, was his first mentor.
- His debut song’s success earned him the Uttar Pradesh State Film Award.
- His initial collaboration with A.R. Rahman was a jingle that unfortunately wasn’t approved.
- He and Shankar Mahadevan, close neighbours and childhood friends from the Chembur-Matunga music scene in Mumbai, have adjacent farmhouses in Karjat.
- He speaks highly of Jaidev, describing him as his “Guru, friend, philosopher, and guide.”
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