Feb 18, 2026 5:17pm IST
Hariharan On Arijit Singh’s Sudden Decision To Step Away From Singing: ‘I Am Sure He Will Do Music In His Own Way’ (EXCLUSIVE)
Ghazal and playback singer Hariharan unveiled “Baat Se Baat," a romantic ghazal with Bossa Nova elements, at an event in Mumbai. It is from his album “Jaan Meri," for which he has collaborated with lyricist Farhad Shehzad. He spoke to Variety India about his album, saying that “Jaan Meri” combines ghazals with melody. He tells us, “I believe he is one of the most amazing modern poets around." Both of us come from the same gharana (ideology) of music. So far, we have done quite a few singles together but always wanted to get together for a complete album.”
Hariharan further says that they worked on the album during the pandemic. While Farhad Shehzad composed the lyrics, he worked on the tunes. “I believe an album needs one common theme, energy, or poetry that connects all the songs. When you listen to an album created by one poet and singer, you understand the mood of the same,” he explains.
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The singer who has been active in the industry since 1978 is also planning a ghazal reality show for Doordarshan. He says that there is a need to take ghazal music to young people, as there is a definite audience for the same. “I was in Jashn-e-Rekhta a few years ago. In a crowd of 15,000, I could see that 7-8K were young people. We have a definite audience,” he says.
When we tell him that many young people believe that ghazals are meant for those who are above middle age. Hariharan begs to differ. He says, “Ghazal is love poetry. If they do not listen to ghazals in youth, when will they do it? Ghazals are all about flirting, teasing your beloved in a poetic manner. It is about that (laughs).”
We also asked him what he felt about the sudden decision of Arijit Singh to retire from playback singing. After pausing for a few moments, Hariharan told us, “It is his choice. He must have had a very good reason to do what he has done. I wish him the best. I am sure he will do music in his own way.”
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