#WorldMusicDay: Hariharan, Harshdeep Kaur and Meghna Mishra: 'Sing from your heart, it'll always connect'

Time of India

20-06-2025

What binds three generations of musicians together? A shared passion for authenticity, artistry and emotional connection. Today, on World Music Day, voices from three generations – the legendary
, the soulful
, and the young talent Meghna Mishra – converge for an exclusive conversation with us.
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They speak about their love for monsoon melodies, how they stay rooted in an ever-changing soundscape and the magic of meaningful music in a remix-heavy world. The pretty backdrop of Powai Lake, along with a light drizzle, set the rhythm for this special interview.
Do you feel music and monsoons have a connection? What are your favourite rain songs?
Hariharan
: Absolutely! O Sajana Barkha Bahar Aayi, what a song! I remember sitting and listening to the song at a park in a Parsi colony, in Matunga, near my old family home.
It was playing on the radio in one of the homes. The memory of rain, music and scent merging into magic is so vivid. Then, Colonial Cousins had the song Indian Rain in our first album. Another favourite track is Sawan Barse Tarse Dil (Dahek).
Harshdeep
: There's such a beautiful connection between music and monsoons. Indian classical music even has ragas like Megh Malhar that evoke the spirit of the rains, expressing love, longing and joy.
One song that hits home for me is Nahin Samne Tu (Taal) by Hariharanji. Another favourite is Ab Ke Sawan by Shubha Mudgalji.
Meghna
: Music is deeply connected to nature, it's a language of emotion. One of my all-time favourite rain songs is Megha O Re Megha by Hemlataji. The first time I heard it, tears flowed uncontrollably.
What's the one change you'd like to see in the Indian music industry?
Harshdeep
: Listeners often complain about the kind of music being released, but they also have the power to shape the industry.
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It is their responsibility, too, to encourage clean and good music. Support artistes who are genuine, who've dedicated their lives to music. That makes a difference.
Hariharan
: We need more originality. Innovation and expression are crucial. If you create music for the joy of it, it elevates the listener. A song without visuals lets the imagination soar, like reading a book versus watching a movie. Remixes are fine, but we shouldn't live in nostalgia.
An artiste becomes relevant when they create something new, that's when magic happens.
If the three of you collaborated on one genre-blending track, what would it sound like?
Hariharan
: Harshdeep has a deep, spiritual tone, while Meghna's voice has a beautiful innocence. I'd create a track blending swaras, aalaaps, sargams, a pop-style bandish, and even shlokas. Leslee Lewis would be perfect for composing and writing this genre-fusing piece.
Harshdeep
: An indie-folk song with classical textures, something rooted and melodic. Someone like Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy or Rahman sir would be perfect to compose it.
Meghna
: I'm currently tripping on South Indian music. It would be amazing if the three of us could do a South Indian track composed by AR Rahman sir, M Jayachandran sir.
In a world full of remixes and reels, how do you stay rooted in meaningful music?
Hariharan
: Enjoy remixes if you like, but don't get swept up in trends.
If you only make what others want, you'll eventually feel hollow. Put out music that you love. That's how you stay grounded and creatively fulfilled.
Harshdeep, how do you balance adapting to changing trends while preserving your unique identity?
It's important to evolve with changing sounds, but never lose your roots. I treat my voice like an instrument, constantly experimenting with tone and style depending on the song.
Soulful music will never go out of style. Life is chaotic — people seek calm, and music is one of the best ways to heal.
Meghna, what's something you've learned from watching artistes like Hariharan and Harshdeep Kaur that no classroom could teach?
Performance. Every artiste has a unique style, and I've learned so much by watching them live – how they improvise, produce, and most importantly, how they connect with the audience. That connection is what sets a performer apart.
Is there a song of yours that you feel was underrated and deserved more love?
Harshdeep
: Waah Sajna, a Sufi song I released in 2023.
Hariharan
: My ghazal album Waqt Par Bolna, which I think is one of my best.
Meghna
: Ki Bas, a ghazal composed by Sanjay Kumar Mishra and written by the late Aziz Ghazipuriji.
Rapid fire with Hariharan, Harshdeep and Meghna
(L-R) Harshdeep Kaur, Meghna Mishra and Hariharan
One song you wish you'd sung?
Hariharan
: Tu Jahan Jahan Chalega
Harshdeep
: Lambi Judai
Meghna
: Kaash by Hariharanji
Riyaaz in the morning or midnight jams?
Hariharan
: Riyaaz in the morning
Harshdeep
: Both
Meghna
: Riyaaz in the morning
Classical ragas or unplugged gigs?
Hariharan
: Classical ragas
Harshdeep
: Unplugged gigs
Meghna
: Classical ragas
Describe music in one word
Hariharan
: Spirituality
Harshdeep
: Oxygen
Meghna
: Life