Singing for Rajini sir was special: Haricharan

He entered film singing when he was just 17. That song was the emotional Unakenna from Kaadhal, which struck a chord with listeners. And today, singer Haricharan is on a high, having sung two songs in Rajinikanth���s Kochadaiiyaan. Times of India in a chat with the singer on his journey so far���
We hear that the Kochadaiiyaan song was the first one you recorded for AR Rahman, much before the other tracks came out���
I���ve had a long association with Rahman sir���s music, having sung backing vocals for many years.Last year, I suddenly got a call from his studio to sing a song. Once I went in, I just took down the lyrics and listened to the tune. Suddenly, Rahman walked in and wanted me to sing it. After a while, we took a break. Two people walked in at that time ��� one was Vairamuthu sir and the other person was wearing a white jibba. That���s when I realized that it was actually Rajini sir, and that the film was Kochadaiiyaan! The next week itself, I got an opportunity to sing for Rahman again, for Mani Ratnam���s Kadal. And then, Sonapariya from Maryan happened. The chance to sing late lyricist Vaalee sir���s lyrics was another memorable experience.
The Maatram song has you sharing song credits with Superstar Rajinikanth���
Well, I���m one of his biggest fans and it was special to sing a song for him, and share credits. I have to thank God, my teachers and parents for this journey.
Which songs of Rajini do you like?
I like most of the melodies featuring him. Like Kadhalin Deepam Ondru, Sundari, and many others. I also admire his sense of style in songs.
Your first Tamil film song happened when you were just 17���.
I was fortunate to have got that song ��� people still remember the emotion in that song. The credit goes entirely to Balaji Sakthivel and Joshua Sridhar. Coming from a Carnatic background, I knew little about film songs then. I���ve learnt and unlearnt so much from that experience; even simple things like how to use the microphone, etc.
Apart from singing for films, what else is close to your heart?
I���ve been performing kutcheris since I was a kid, but these performances have come down in the recent past. I wanted to re-visit that musical side and that���s how my recent album, Music From The Heart, was born. It���s a small step in trying to reach a few golden Carnatic kritis to a bigger audience.
Is Bollywood on the cards?
Well, I���ve always wanted to sing in Hindi films too. A lot of opportunities are coming, and I���ve already recorded a few. Fingers crossed!
Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
If I have the potential to become a composer, that might happen. And, I want to concentrate on live singing; there���s a lot of scope in that. In a decade, I see myself travelling a lot, doing shows and packaging music for audiences.