“In the ’80s and ’90s, Hari Om Sharan was a household name, and for many of us, mornings began with his soulful bhajans playing on the radio. ‘Data Ek Ram,’ ‘Maili Chaadar Odha Ke,’ ‘He Dukh Bhanjan,’ ‘Radhey Govinda,’ ‘Hanuman Chalisa,’ and countless other evocative compositions filled our hearts with devotion. His singing was effortless, mellifluous, and deeply spiritual, a reflection of what could only be the voice of a true saint — a Bhakta or a Fakir. Later, in Mumbai, I had the privilege of meeting him on several occasions at various events and attending his concerts at Shanmukhananda Hall, Mumbai. He exuded an aura of peace and inner strength and when he sang on stage, his bhakti and devotion were palpable. His bhajans carried the distinct stamp of his individuality, in the songs he sang for Murli Manohar Swaroop ji as also those he wrote and composed himself. He was a simple man and his spirituality made his songs immortal. He is truly a legend and his bhajans will live forever in our hearts. I am so glad a book has been written about Hari Om ji and it is an excellent book. Thank you, Shailaja ji. I always had a lot of respect for him. My best wishes.” Padma Shri Kavita Krishnamurti Subramaniam A multilingual, globally renowned playback singer, Kavita has won four Filmfare Awards. She is married to violin virtuoso Padma Vibhushan Dr. L. Subramaniam.
