Harinarayanan, who died here on Saturday at the age of 57, might have been better known for his role in John Abraham’s iconic film Amma Ariyan , but he was also a talented musician who probably deserved more credit than he received.
He was adept at tabla and mridangam. He had accompanied classical vocalists on mridangam, and was much in demand, especially in Malabar, for ghazal and light music concerts as a tabla player.
Harinarayanan was passionate about experimentation on stage and had conducted shows with several musicians, including those from the Western stream.
He was, in fact, scheduled to perform in a show on August 15 in the city.
“He was eagerly looking forward to the show,” Premchand, who had directed Harinarayanan in the film John , said.
“He was also excited about John , which I am planning to release later in the year.”
Harinarayanan played himself in the film. He was a close friend of the maverick director and had played the dead tabla player in Amma Ariyan (the film was all about Hari’s death).
“He was delighted to be part of John ,” Premchand said. “He had become rather emotional during the shoot of several scenes; he was that close to John. Together they had gone on several journeys across the country.” He died on the 81st birth anniversary of John Abraham.
His striking presence and booming voice, and of course, his music, will be missed by this city that has always loved its musicians.
