BLISS OF HARRIS
Why do I hear a flute tune playing whenever I see a flash of lightning?
Why do I see Vikram dancing whenever I am eating Tirunelveli halwa?
It is indeed amazing when these insignificant trivialities from our routine can fill us with a flood of nostalgia. Countless joyful memories are triggered when these subtle chords hit the right places in your memory, and if you notice, at the center of the stage, we can see one man orchestrating our emotions skillfully: Harris Jayaraj.
In the 1990s, the entire country was hypnotized by the charm of AR Rahman’s fresh beats. His dominance was absolute, and everyone in the industry had already decided that no one could possibly rival the Mozart of Madras at least for another decade. Little did anyone know that his competition was sitting right in the studio, working his magic as Rahman’s lead keyboardist.
His first album Minnale in Tamil or Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein in Hindi, was a stroke of masterclass from the debutant. From the heartwarming melody “Poopol” to the sensual “Vaseegara”, the feelings of the listeners were swayed throughout the film by the command of Harris. If composing an album with every song being a fan favourite was an art, he is the Picasso of it.
The Harris-GVM combo was a match made in heaven. Until 2010, every single GVM movie was scored by Harris, and I am sure that every single kid who grew up in the 2000s hummed his tunes every day on the way to school. Kaakha kaaka, Vettaiyadu Velayadu, and Varanam Ayiram albums still rule our playlists, and the joy we feel when we listen to these songs is inexplicably blissful. No train journey is complete without listening to the strumming guitar beats of “Nenjukul Peidhidum” and no car ride without “Ennai konjam”.
In 2008, everyone was in visible confusion before the release of the movie Varanam Ayiram. How could the “Melody King” compose an intense love failure song and moreover use the mellifluous voice of Karthik to wield the pain of the hero? What started as an experiment came out as one of the best ever drugs Harris has ever supplied to his fans. With rising tempos and soothing interludes, “Ava Enna” song is my personal favourite Harris composition, and if you’ve listened to it, I know you’re smiling in reminiscence now.
There are critics in Kollywood who often associate his success with luck, but quality is never an accident. It is always the result of intelligent effort and passionate dedication.
Time and again, Harris has silenced his haters with his versatile compositions and daring ventures. Even today, if I watch Thupakki on mute, I can hear the background score in my head, dominating the screenplay, and I’ll start whistling the tune subconsciously.
Having debuted more than 20 years back in the industry, many people wonder why he has composed less than 50 albums in his career. When asked about the same, Harris replied that he loves to take his time in setting up his canvas.
The ideology he believes in is that inspiration while composing is like catching a butterfly: the more you chase it, the more it will evade you. Instead, be patient and notice your surroundings, and the butterfly will soon sit on your shoulders.
Personally, I consider Harris Jayaraj to be a mood. Whether I am ecstatic or depressed, romantic or cynical, motivated or lazy, if I listen to his songs, I know I will be vibing blissfully with his beats for the rest of the day. Even now when anyone recommends to me the new age rap or metal genres….. Ennamo Edho I am always filled with Ore Nyabagam.
