So grateful to be a part of the beautiful world of music: Haricharan

It’s been quite a journey of two long decades, says singer Haricharan, who recently completed his 20th year in the industry. Known for songs like Thuli Thuli Mazhaiyaai (Paiyaa), Ayayayoo Aananthamey (Kumki) and songs from Kochadaiiyaan, Atrangi Re, Tamasha, Sita Ramam, and many more.
Haricharan says he had recorded his first song, in Kaadhal, in 2004, right after he had finished school.Since then, he has recorded over 2,000 songs and worked with many prominent musicians. In an exclusive interview with Chennai Times, the singer talks about his shift from Carnatic music to film music, the lessons he has learnt and more...
‘Even I am equipping myself to use AI in an ethical way’
Nowadays, anyone can sing a film song because of a software. So, the real talent is in the musician who can compose music by himself, and who can make meaningful music. AI is going to be a very formidable force in the future. We need to keep it in check, otherwise it will eat us up. There has to be a protocol for its use. Even I am equipping myself to use AI in an ethical way.
I have realised that films are just one aspect of being a musician. Being a film musician is great, it gives you a lot of popularity and it’s a different kind of music. But we have to practice some kind of classical music also. Even Raaja sir and Rahman sir recommend that. So, one of my biggest takeaways from my 20 years in the industry is to never leave classical music behind.”
“Classical music helps maintains your voice and stay on top of the game. At any point in the day, you should be able to sing to your satisfaction. That is the biggest contribution you can give to your art,” he adds.
‘SHOULD PICK THE VOICE THAT BEST SUITS THE SONG’
The industry has changed over the years and I am a little unhappy with the kind of importance given to online views. People are being chosen based on the number of followers on social media while talent takes a backseat. They should pick the voice that best suits the song.
‘THIS SOCIAL MEDIA NUMBERS TREND IS RISKY BUSINESS’
Raaja sir once showed me his notes for the original Ninnukori Varanam. He had written down the names of the artistes who he thought would suit the song best. So, I am old school that way; I believe everything is a vision of the composer. This social media numbers trend is risky business, but with social media, more people can put out their music to the masses. Back then, I used to record songs on a CD and give it to every composer. Even after that, there was no guarantee that they would listen to it.
‘I’VE HAD SO MANY PEOPLE TELL ME I DON’T HAVE WHAT IT TAKES’
I didn’t know anything when I came into films. I was a Carnatic musician doing kutcheris and the cinema songs which I knew were all from the ’60s. I slowly learned Western music and then picked up songs in multiple languages. The shift from Carnatic singing to film music was tough. I’ve had so many people tell me I don’t have what it takes, but I kept singing, kept learning and just gave it my best.