Hariharan's Top 9 Songs

On Hariharan's 70th birthday on April 3, Subhash K Jha looks at his best songs.

Tum Gaye Sab Gaya from Maachis
Lataji's interpretation of Gulzar's pained poetry is peerless but Hariharan also gives the lyrics a life of their own.
Every word is enunciated in a wounded baritone, every accusation against destiny is like a whiplash.

Raaton Ko Mange Hai Sajan Se from Ramnagari
This flirtatious folk song from a lesser known Amol Palekar film is exceptional.
The same film has another fun song by Hariharan, Aa Baith Ja Motorcycle Pe where he does a delightful Dev Anand impersonation to the accompaniment of a riff from Hum Dono.

Ajeeb Saaneha Mujh Par Guzar Gaya from Gaman
About this song, Hariharan said, 'It was my 1st Hindi film song. Jaidevji gave me the 1st break.'
'He wanted to use new voices, so he asked me to sung Ajeeb Saaneha Mujh Par Guzar Gaya.'

Bharat Humko Jaan Se Pyara Hai from Roja
There is no effort in this sober composition to impress us. A classic.

Rang Ras Barse from Yaar Kasam
Two of the finest male singers, Yesudas and Hariharan, are in a mood for Holi revelry.
Joining them is Composer-Singer Usha Khanna though she didn't compose this.
The tune is credited to Kishore Sharma.

Mere Dushman Mere Bhai from Border
J P Dutta's Border featured this song with Javed Akhtar's lyrics set to music by Anu Malik and sung by Hariharan. It is replete with affection and anguish.

Chhod Aaye Hum from Maachis
"Vishal and Rekha Bhardwaj were at the recording. Gulzarsaab was there. KK, Suresh Wadkar and I were at the mike."
"It was magical. That song became the signature tune for KK and me."

Kabhi Main Kahoon from Lamhe
Hariharan remembers his recordings with Lataji for Shiv-Hari: "Kabhi Main Kahoon was my first song with Lataji. I rehearsed the song a couple of days before recording with Shiv-Hari."
"Shivji and Hariji made me relax and I was able to give my best."

Bahon Ke Darmiyan from Khamoshi The Musical
Jatin-Lalit's career-best composition is a beautiful ballad with ethereal lyrics (by the great Majrooh Sultanpuri), which insist that love cannot be bound no matter how much the world views it with tinted glasses.
Bahon Ke Darmiyan is that rare duet where the male voice won't let our attention stray.