Happy birthday, Hariharan: Lesser known facts about the musician

Hariharan turns 66 years today. The prolific singer has enthralled fans in different genres across several languages. Some of his famous songs include 'Tu Hi Re', 'Bahon Ke Darmiyan, 'Roja Jaanemann', 'Chod Aaye Hum'. Hariharan is an established ghazal singer too and is one of the pioneers of Indian fusion music. A recipient of the Padma Shri award, he has sung over 500 Tamil songs and nearly 200 Hindi songs. He is also a two-time National Award-winner. On the occasion of his birthday, let’s take a look at some rare and fascinating facts about the musician.

Hariharan is the son of renowned Carnatic vocalist Shrimati Alamelu. He started learning Indian classical music from his father, Anantha Subramani. He did his schooling at Don Bosco High School in Matunga and later graduated from the St. Xavier's College in Mumbai.

In the year 1977, he won the singing show ‘All India Sur Singaar Competition’ and became a popular face. According to a news portal, after listening to Hariharan’s melodious voice, late music director Jaidev signed him on as a singer. Since then, there was no stopping him.

In 1996, Hariharan formed a two-member band with Lesle Lewis and called it Colonial Cousins. The dynamic duo has together delivered some noteworthy music in various languages.

Hariharan’s favourite musicians are AR Rahman, Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhosle, Mehendi Hassan, to name a few. Apart from being a versatile musician, he loves to travel and read too.

Hariharan loves South Indian and Italian cuisine. Just like him, his children are also into music. His son Akshay Hariharan and daughter Lavanya Hariharan are playback singers.