Ghazal is conversational: Singer Hariharan
Mumbai, July 17: National Award-winning singer Hariharan says he always tries to bring a conversational style in his ghazal singing.
He has come up with a new ghazal "Afsaane", which he has composed and performed. It is produced by his son Akshay.
Asked about the distinct singing style he has lent to the genre, Hariharan told IANS: "Look, I believe that ghazal is conversational. It is basically a conversation between you and your lover in a poetic manner. So as a singer, I try to emphasise on each word and maintain a style in my singing where the listener would think that I am singing it for that person."
The song is penned by Ameeta Parasuram, who earlier said that Hariharan had reacted to the lyrics quite instinctively and composed the song.
"I think singing and composing songs has become my second nature, so the moment I heard the poetry, the tune came to me spontaneously. It is almost like the response came from my soul... Music is that to me," smiled the singer.
Beginning his career in 1990s, Hariharan has sung numbers in the southern industry and Bollywood. He has a strong hold on classical music, and also played an important role in the glorious Indie-pop music in India as one half of Colonial Cousins.
Some of his film songs include "Roja jaaneman", "Hai rama yeh kya hua", "Nahin saamne" and "Ay hairathe". He has worked closely with the iconic music director A.R. Rahman.
Hariharan, 63, hasn't been working in Bollywood projects that often.
Explaining why, he said: "I think the way the sound of music has changed, they do not need a singer like me anymore. The young composers are arranging music differently and they have their go-to singers. I look at the change this way."
What is the secret behind his evergreen voice?
"I still do my vocal practice everyday for an hour. This is an old habit and is a part of my lifestyle. But I do not practise for performing... That is not the intention. It is basically to keep my voice in shape, it is almost like the physical exercise to keep your body in shape."
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What is Iran’s 10-point plan? Key demands ahead of US talks in Islamabad
Tehran/Islamabad: Iran has outlined a 10-point plan as the basis for upcoming talks with the United States, expected to begin in Islamabad on April 11, according to a statement from the Iranian Supreme National Security Council.
The plan lays out Tehran’s key political, military and economic demands, and is being seen as a framework for negotiations following the recent escalation in the region.
Strait of Hormuz at the centre
A major focus of the plan is the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. Iran has proposed “controlled passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the Iranian armed forces,” which it says would give the country a unique economic and geopolitical position.
The plan also calls for the “establishment of a safe transit protocol” in the Strait that would guarantee Iran’s dominance under an agreed mechanism.
Call to end conflict
Iran has demanded “the necessity of ending the war against all elements of the axis of resistance,” signalling its expectation that hostilities should stop not only in Iran but also involving allied groups in the region.
US troop withdrawal
Another key demand is the “withdrawal of US combat forces from all bases and deployment points in the region,” indicating Tehran’s long-standing position against American military presence in West Asia.
Sanctions relief and compensation
The plan places strong emphasis on economic measures. It calls for “full payment of Iran’s damages according to estimates,” along with “the lifting of all primary and secondary sanctions and resolutions of the Board of Governors and the Security Council.”
It also seeks “the release of all Iranian assets and properties frozen abroad,” which have been a major point of contention for years.
Binding global guarantee
Finally, Iran has demanded that all these terms be formally recognised through “a binding Security Council resolution,” suggesting it wants international legal backing to ensure enforcement.
What this means
The 10-point plan reflects Iran’s broader push for security guarantees, economic relief and regional influence. The upcoming talks in Islamabad are expected to test how far both sides are willing to negotiate on these demands.
