National Film Award Winner for Best Male Playback Singer, Hariharan entrapped Whistling Woods Intern

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEbRIFSR4n8

Whistling Woods International was blown away by a well-prepared weekly 5th VEDA concert, devoted entirely to classical music where renowned Indian musician and a National Film Award Winner for Best Male Playback Singer Hariharan displayed a brittle, constructionist modernity touched music and singing with the exoticism of guitar, piano and interacted with around 300 students about the classical music.

Speaking about singing Hariharan said, “Singing is an art in itself. It means performance from heart as you really have to feel the words to deliver the magic that captures the audience.” He also delved on the lost art of lip sync and inability of today’s actors to put life into songs. He said, “Only around 35% of actors today do justice to the lyrics and the songs or ‘mukh mudra’ which is disappointing.”

The entire auditorium joined him in the chorus of his songs before he surprised them with sudden increase of the pace and the pitch therefore earning a standing ovation from all. He moved on to performing from his album ‘Urdu Blues where he synchronized blues with Urdu poetry along with singer and the Voice of India winner, Aishwarya Majumdar. He then performed an impromptu medley of his songs along with a group of students from the Institute who raised to the occasion.

Initial AV on ‘Spiritual Reality- a journey within’ was shown which highlighted how everyone strives to achieve happiness and peace which is only possible by self-knowledge and cosmic energy. An AV on Classical Music describing its intricacies and its evolving since renaissance to contemporary and fusion was shown. It also enlightened students about Hindustani classical music and Carnatic music.

As the day wore on and ones ear grew accustomed to the sounds some of the excitement of the ghazals and fusions returned when everyone first encountered Hariharan’s music. Hariharan’s performance reveled in the energy and textural richness of these pieces, capturing their multilayered elaborations, echoes and reflections. The chorus support was equally detailed, and just as viscerally exciting.

He went on to mesmerize the audience by singing ‘Tu hi re’ in both Hindi and Tamil and a song from Yaadein – of which initial lines were originally voiced by the Indian Cinema’s Showman and founder of Whistling Woods International Mr. Subhash Ghai himself, who also made the movie. Hariharan took it from there and enwrapped the audience into an emotional moment. Later both discussed their musical affiliations of decades and Mr. Subhash Ghai asked him some questions on behalf of his students. The musical concert had a movie like grand- climax where a blend of western and classical musical was shown through a song from Subhash Ghai’s creation, ‘Yuvraaj.’

Ms. Meghna Ghai Puri, Director of Whistling Woods International extended her gratitude to the artists and also announced the prestigious scholarships for an NGO and trust ‘SALAAM BAALAK.’