Hariharan mesmerises Mumbai with his music

Sunday evening (June 15) at the Grand Theatre at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) felt electric as Hariharan walked onto the stage, opening the concert with Kesariya Balam in all its folk-classical glory.

“So nice to be here, singing for you at this lovely theatre! Thank you very much for coming today,” he greeted the audience warmly. What followed was not just a concert — it was a mood, a memory, a masterclass.Hariharan’s soul-stirring, crowd-favourite melodies including Roja (Bombay), Jhonka Hawa Ka (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam), Chanda Re (Sapnay), Nahin Saamne Tu (Taal), and Ay Hairathe (Guru) created an atmosphere steeped in nostalgia and emotion.Introducing the title track from Yaadein, he said, “Yeh gaana aap sab ko yaad hoga, toh hum saath mein gayenge,” inviting the audience to join in, and they did.From there, he eased into his evergreen tracks like Yeh Lamhe Yeh Pal (Lamhe), Chhod Aaye Hum (Maachis), and Bahon Ke Darmiyan (Khamoshi). His velvet voice flowed effortlessly, every pause turning into a silence worth listening to.The audience, an elegant blend of old-school connoisseurs and young music enthusiasts, sat enraptured.

Many mouthed the words, some sang along aloud, others simply remained still, soaking in every note.

With his son Akshay HariharanDuring the nearly three-hour-long concert, Hariharan also brought infectious energy to the stage. He performed upbeat tracks on stage with his son, Akshay Hariharan, who joined him in recreating songs like Bhaaga Sa (Chachi 420), Kabhi Main Kahoon (Lamhe), Telephone Dhun (Hindustani), and Dil Ne Dil Se Ikrar Kiya (Haqeeqat), engaging the audience with light-hearted anecdotes and behind-the-scenes trivia.A multiple National Award winner with over 8,000 songs in seven languages to his credit, Hariharan delighted fans not only with his voice but also his flair, changing jackets four times and glasses thrice as he delivered one beloved number after another.He also sang a Marathi song, some of his independent hits including Krishna, and ghazals like Kaash Aisa Koi Manzar Hota, which drew sighs and claps from fans.

The final performance of the night was a heartfelt tribute in response to the recent airplane tragedy. As he sang Bharat Humko Jaan Se Pyaara Hai, the audience rose in a standing ovation. Visibly moved, Hariharan folded his hands and said, “Thank you,” as the applause continued to pour in.