Veteran singer Hariharan is set to complete 50 years in the music industry next year, a milestone he reflects on with gratitude and pride. However, his thoughts also turn to the state of the Indian music scene, which he believes has lost its creative soul.

The current trend of 15-second hooks, viral Reels, and algorithms dictating music styles is a concern for Hariharan. "If you're creating music with these values in mind, what kind of music are you making?" he asks.

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"You're not doing music; you're doing something else entirely." He believes that this approach lacks the soul and thought process required to create genuine music.

Hariharan also laments loss personal

Hariharan also laments the loss of personal investment in music due to the ease of access to various genres through streaming services. "It's a sad experience listening to music on your phone," he says, "the convenience has taken away from the joy of discovering new music."

In contrast, Hariharan fondly recalls his time as part of the iconic '90s duo Colonial Cousins with Leslee Lewis. "We were able to create music that was meaningful and engaging because we had ownership over our work," he reminisces.

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He attributes the resurgence of senior singers in mainstream music to the changing landscape of the industry. "When there's a drastic change in style, people absorb it initially, but eventually, they revolt unless there's a good melody to cling to," Hariharan explains.

"We're relevant across generations because our music is youthful and relatable," he adds. "That's a gift that we've been fortunate enough to have."