Hariharan Family Tree: The Story Behind the Voice of Hindi-Urdu-Tamil

Hariharan Aanantha Subramani, born 3 April 1955 in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India, is an Indian playback singer specialising in Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam ghazal and film music — Tu Hi Re (Bombay 1995), Bharat Humko Jaan Se Pyara Hai (Roja 1992 Hindi version), Mehndi Hai Rachnewali (Zubeidaa 2001). Padma Shri (2004); 2 National Film Awards.

The Family's Roots: A Tamil Iyer Music Family

The Subramani family is Tamil Iyer from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala — both parents were Carnatic vocalists.

His Parents

Father: H. A. S. Mani — Carnatic vocalist.

Mother: Alamelu Mani — Carnatic vocalist and veena player.

His Wife: Lalitha Hariharan

Lalitha Hariharan — married Hariharan in 1981.

Their Sons

Akshay Hariharan, born 1986 — son; singer.

Karthik Hariharan, born 1988 — son.

The Subramani Family Tree at a Glance

Father: H. A. S. Mani — Carnatic vocalist.

Mother: Alamelu Mani — Carnatic vocalist and veena player.

Wife: Lalitha Hariharan (m. 1981).

Sons: Akshay (b. 1986) — singer; Karthik (b. 1988).

Hariharan:

  • Born 3 April 1955, Thiruvananthapuram
  • Wilson College, Mumbai (B.A.); Mumbai University (Law, did not complete)
  • Trained in Hindustani classical (Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan, Pandit Jasraj) and Carnatic
  • Playback debut: Gaman (1978)
  • Major Hindi songs: Tu Hi Re (Bombay 1995), Naina Lade (Roja 1992), Chappa Chappa Charkha Chale (Maachis 1996), Mehndi Hai Rachnewali (Zubeidaa 2001), Yeh Jo Des Hai Tera (Swades 2004), Anbe Sivam (Tamil)
  • Tamil major hits with Ilaiyaraaja and A. R. Rahman
  • Colonial Cousins (Indo-Western duo with Leslee Lewis): 1996; pioneering Indipop band
  • Padma Shri: 2004; 2 National Film Awards for Best Male Playback Singer
  • 20+ ghazal albums

What the Subramani Family Story Teaches Us

A Carnatic-vocalist father. A veena-playing Carnatic-vocalist mother. A wife of 40+ years. Two sons, one of whom is also a singer. A career that combined Hindustani training with film playback, ghazal, and Indipop.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Hariharan story carries the same lesson. Some careers cross three musical traditions in a single voice.

👉 Start building your family legacy today with Family Root App

📜 Disclaimer The family tree and biographical information provided in this article are based on publicly available sources and records. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or authenticity of all data. This content is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not aim to infringe on any individual's privacy or personal rights. If you believe any information is incorrect or wish to request edits or removal, please contact us at Info@familyrootapp.com.