Birthday Special: Hariharan Says, 'Music is the Rhythm of My Breath'

Hariharan, born on April 3, 1955, is a renowned Indian playback singer known for his expertise in Bhajans and Ghazals, with a career spanning multiple languages including Tamil, Hindi, and Telugu

He has recorded over 15,000 songs in more than 10 languages such as Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, Sinhala, and Bhojpuri, showcasing his versatility in the music industry

Recognized for his significant contributions, Hariharan was awarded the Padma Shri in 2004 and has won the National Film Award twice He also formed the successful fusion music duo, Colonial Cousins, with Leslie Lewis.

In a notable achievement, his rendition of Hanuman Chalisa was the first song in the world to surpass 2 million views on YouTube

Hariharan's breakthrough came in 1978 with the hit song "Ajeeb Sa Neha Mujh Par Guzar Gaya Yaaro", and he gained further acclaim with his collaboration with AR. Rahman in the Tamil film industry, especially for the song "Thamizha Thamizha" in Roja.

His contributions to the Tamil and Hindi film industries are extensive, with over 500 Tamil songs and 200 Hindi songs, and he has also ventured into acting with roles in Tamil and Malayalam films

As a Ghazal singer and composer, Hariharan has released numerous successful albums such as "Aabshar-e-Ghazal", "Gulfam", and "Hazar", further solidifying his place in the genre

He continues to innovate and captivate audiences, with his recent release "Samjha Toh Kar" in 2025 being well-received, demonstrating his enduring appeal and passion for music

Hariharan describes music as essential as breathing, underlining his deep connection and dedication to his craft that resonates across generations

His timeless voice and contributions have left a lasting impact, making him a cherished figure in the world of music