Hariharan: Less films are working so it’s reflecting on songs

Singer Hariharan feels realistic cinema, background songs as well as films not working in theatres together have resulted in decline of film music

Singer Hariharan feels realistic cinema, background songs as well as films not working in theatres together have resulted in decline of film music.

Singer Hariharan on his visit to Lucknow. (Instagram/singerhariharana)

“We have less songs in films now and mostly are in background of the film premise. I feel lip sync songs worked more and music clicks when the film works. The formula is the same – success of a film determines the success of songs. Nowadays, less films are working so it’s reflecting on the songs as well! Also, more realistic films are being made and such projects don’t have a concept of a hero and a heroine, so the scope of having songs has just nosedived,” says the two-time National Award-winning singer.

Having sung in 10 languages, Hariharan says, “Look at the films from Southern states, those that have worked all had hit songs. So, success of film songs is proportional to box office success.”

The singer shares that since 2010 he has slowed down in taking up film songs. “Things have changed now and there are a number of youngsters who sing really well. Mujhe koi farak nahi padta as my songs are still popular and are very much relevant. I am on the threshold of releasing a ghazal album with songs by Farhad Shehzad. As far as films are concerned my last song was for Bholaa.”

On his visit to Lucknow, he recalls that his first film song was for Muzaffar Ali’s Gaman (1978) that was shot here. “I recorded the song in 1977 and came here to receive the UP Journalists Award. It was a fulfilling experience to sing for Lucknowites who loved my songs. I keep coming back to the city, this year itself it’s my second visit,” says the Tu Hi Re (Bombay) singer.