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Hariharan Reveals R.D. Burman's Childlike Genius & Mentorship

Veteran singer Hariharan, during his album launch, reflected on the legendary R.D. Burman's unique childlike quality and brilliant musicianship. He highlighted how Burman's modern and open compositions have made them ideal for fusion music. Hariharan shared personal memories, describing Burman as a mentor from whom he learned a great deal. The singer also expressed his need for decorum when performing but remains open to singing at events like weddings if the proper ambiance is maintained.

Key Points: Hariharan on R.D. Burman's Genius & Wedding Performances

  • R.D. Burman's childlike simplicity and brilliance
  • His compositions are modern and perfect for fusion
  • Hariharan considered him a mentor
  • Hariharan emphasizes decorum during performances
  • He is open to singing at weddings with proper ambiance
2 min read

Hariharan on working with R D Barman: He had a child in him

Veteran singer Hariharan shares memories of R.D. Burman's childlike brilliance, modern compositions, and his views on decorum for performances.

"He had a child in him, and that was his special quality. - Hariharan"

Mumbai, Feb 21

Veteran singer Hariharan shared his experience of working with legendary singer and composer R. D. Burman.

Talking exclusively to IANS during the launch of his latest album, "Jaan Meri", Hariharan revealed that R D Barman had a child in him, which made him different from others.

He told IANS, "He had a child in him, and that was his special quality. He was so simple, and he had a brilliance about him, the way he did his phrases and his compositions."

Hariharan, who has completed 5 decades in the music industry, further pointed out that the compositions of R. D. Burman have been used the most for fusion as they are extremely modern and ahead of their time, and hence able to contribute.

"He is a person whose compositions have been done the fusion with the most because it could lend to it. The compositions are so open and so modern, so ahead of their time, you could do something with it," he went on to add.

Taking a trip down memory lane, Hariharan further revealed that he used to sing with Asha Bhosle as a co-singer, and Puncham Da (R. D. Burman) used to be there.

"I have traveled with him, and I have learned a lot of things from him. He was like a mentor to me", he concluded.

During the same interaction, Hariharan pitched in on the debate around whether singers should perform at weddings or not.

Stating that he needs decorum when he sings, he shared, "See, I'll tell you one thing. I do all kinds of concerts. I am very open. But I need decorum when I sing, and I make sure I have it, and I am peaceful with it."

"Why do you sing? To bring happiness, and if you can get happiness, that happiness in any situation with proper ambiance is fine," he went on to add.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
My father used to play RD Burman cassettes all the time. Now I understand why his music connects across generations. That simplicity and brilliance Hariharan mentions is so true. "Chura Liya" or "Mehbooba" - you can remix them today and they still sound fresh!
A
Aman W
Respectfully, while I adore RD Burman's work, I feel articles like this often repeat the same anecdotes. I wish Hariharan ji had shared more specific, lesser-known stories from their travels together. The 'child in him' metaphor is lovely but we've heard it before.
S
Sarah B
As someone relatively new to Indian music, this is fascinating. The comment about the compositions being "open" for fusion explains why I keep hearing modern DJs using samples from his tracks. The man was a visionary. Time to dive deeper into his discography!
K
Karthik V
Hariharan's point about decorum at weddings is so important! It's not about being a diva, it's about respect for the art. You can't expect a classical or semi-classical performance with people shouting over the music. Glad he said it. 👏
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Nisha Z
Pancham Da's legacy is our national treasure. The fact that legends like Hariharan, who has seen it all, still speak of him with such reverence says everything. We need to teach this musical history in our schools, not just Western classics.

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