The music world is celebrating one of its own. Hariharan, a singer whose voice has defined a generation, recently received a major honor. The Kolkata-based Techno India University awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Literature. The ceremony recognized several well-known figures from different fields, but the spotlight was on the man they call the king of ghazals. For Hariharan, it was a moment of great pride and good fortune.
A Humble Response
Upon receiving the honor, Hariharan expressed his gratitude. He said this recognition was not just for him, but for the entire Indian music community. He sees it as an inspiring milestone in his long journey. He also had a message for the next generation of artists. He asked them to pursue music with dedication and hard work.
In his own words, Hariharan shared his feelings about the event. He called it a joyful moment and a privilege to be honored alongside other big names in their fields.
#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal | Indian singer Hariharan said, “This is a matter of joy. It’s my privilege and honour to receive an honorary doctorate of literature from Techno India University. The other recipients, who are big names in their respective fields, also came here…”… pic.twitter.com/xdBzqgBiJa
— ANI (@ANI) August 20, 2025
The Secret to Lasting Success
With nearly four decades in music, Hariharan knows what it takes to stay relevant. He stressed the importance of practice, known as ‘riyaz’. According to him, no singer can have a long career without constant practice and a desire to keep learning. He believes music is more than just entertainment; it’s a form of devotion. He said that understanding its finer points is crucial for every artist.
Praise for Arijit Singh
When asked about his favorite singer from the current generation, Hariharan didn’t hesitate. He named Arijit Singh. He explained that Arijit’s singing has a depth and emotional honesty that truly connects with listeners. “When it comes to singing, I like Arijit,” he stated simply.
A Lasting Musical Legacy
Hariharan’s impact on music is immense. He is much more than a playback singer for films. He is a master of ghazals and a pioneer in indie music. His work in the band Colonial Cousins, a collaboration with Leslie Lewis, is a shining example of the Indian fusion style. He has also worked with legendary composers like A.R. Rahman. Over the years, he has sung thousands of songs in many languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Kannada. His ghazal albums alone have earned him a special place in the hearts of music lovers everywhere.