Angry, sad, determined Hariharan will sing for peace

Bharat Humko Jaan Se Pyaara Hai singer Hariharan wants today's peace concert to remind Mumbaikars that complacency is a dangerously dirty word

Bharat Humko Jaan Se Pyaara Hai singer Hariharan wants today's peace concert to remind Mumbaikars that complacency is a dangerously dirty word

When you are one of the country's foremost playback singers, a pro at Ghazals and a Padmashri awardee, having your hands full is hardly unusual.u00a0 Just back from a long tour of America, Hariharan has a pending haircut on his mind. His PR agent requests us to make do with a publicity picture; a photoshoot stands at the mercy of a salon appointment.u00a0u00a0u00a0

Pic/NIMESH DAVE

In a telephonic interview in the middle of a busy day, the singer admits, he is confused. Is he angry? Is he sad?
"There are mixed feelings. We don't even know if things are going to be okay from this moment on. The only thing we do know, is that peace is the solution," he says somberly.u00a0

What better way for a singer to spread the message of peace, hoping it will reach far without losing its strength, much the same way a Chinese Whispers player does, than sing about it. Mumbai audiences will catch him live tonight at a peace concert that salutes a city that doesn't tire in the face of repeated flogging, whether by nature's ire like with the July deluge, or 2007's train blasts and 2008's terror strike.u00a0

Hariharan will start with spiritual ghazals that will set a mellow mood before the power of favourite patriotic numbers echoes through Shanmukhananda Hall. The multi-lingual singer, who won the national award in 1998 for the soulful rendition of Mere Dushman Mere Bhai from Border, says although he's aware that the spirit of Mumbai has been taken for granted, its people have no option but to go on. "It's our duty to remain vigilant.

We can't afford to get complacent even for a minute."

On: Today, at Shanmukhananda Hall, Sion.
Tickets range between Rs 200 to Rs 1,000.
They are available at Rhythm House (43222727), at the venue (9769299514), Shivaji Park Photo Studio (24457954 / 24469813) and New Symphony, Thane (W) (25386978).