Date:18/07/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2009/07/18/stories/2009071853001200.htm

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Colonial hangover

Hariharan and Leslie Lewis talk about their upcoming album

Leslie Lewis and Hariharan

Colonial Cousins, the singer, composer and performer duo’s zest for life and work, infectious humour, refreshing repartees and funky clothes and hairdo…draw you in.Hariharan and Leslie Lewis are now working on their new album “Colon ial Cousins Once More”, which will have the flavour of their super-successful debut album. “But definitely it will be different,” says Hariharan.

Recently, the Cousins took to music direction. The soon-to-be-released Tamil film Modhi Vilayadu is their debut venture.

Don’t they fear succumbing to commercial compulsions and producers’ diktats? “Commerce is not a wrong term. Life revolves around it. Tell me, will not the man who is investing so much money in a film think about the returns? Those coming to us know about our work and capacity. I am sure they will never come up with senseless suggestions,” smiles Leslie.

Though they may be driven by modern compulsions their traditional belief in a sound foundation and riyaaz is still strong. ,” says Hariharan.

And soulful ghazals still find a place in Hariharan’s frenzied recording routine? “In fact there are now more takers. Recently at a three-hour ghazal concert there was not a single farmaish for film songs.

CHITRA SWAMINATHAN