 Work of geniuses
 "The song was written by a genius and the music was composed by a genius. So, all credit should go only to them. I dedicate this award to
Bharatiyar and music maestro
Ilayaraja," says Harish Raghavendra for having won the Tamil Nadu state award for his song 'Nirpathuve Nadapathuve…' in the film 'Bharati' (for the year 2000).
This is Harish's first state award and he feels deeply satisfied with it. "I sang the song four years ago. I have gained a lot of experience in these years. But it still feels nice to have won the award for that song," said Harish in this exclusive interview to
Chennaionline.
In fact, many people had told him earlier that he would win an award for that particular song which was a super hit when the film was released.
 "Music director Ilayaraja okayed the song, which in itself is a great honour. When the song became a hit, he told me that there was good response for the song but also cautioned me to work hard," says Harish with great reverence.
The budding singer/actor said he heard the news about the award over
Jaya TV in the morning and has since been getting calls from friends and industry people and has in turn been calling other winners like
Unni Krishnan, Unni Menon and
Sujatha.
This may be his first state award, but Harish has won many private awards.
He won the Dinakaran award for the 'Kadal Kondein' song 'Devadhayai Kanden…' He won the Kannadasan Award for the song 'Chakkarai Nilave…' The Tamil Nadu Film Fans Association has also honoured him with an award.
 Harish mentions in particular the Ajantha award that he has been winning for the past four years. Three of the awards were for singing and one was for his acting in
'Vikatan' - the debutant award.
He has also won some overseas honours like the one he got in Canada. The United Tamils Council of Canada is a government recognised body and it invited him over to Canada to present the 'Vaseegara Kuralon' award.
It was during that function that he really understood the power of the Bharati song 'Nirpathuve Nadapathuve…' which won him the state award. Though he sang some new and popular numbers, the audience reminded him to sing this song and he was touched that they remembered the song.
"Some songs remain in your memory. They are the everlasting songs. This is one such song. So, I am not overly worried that the award came so late. It has come at a time when the film industry seems to be reviving what with the new concessions announced by Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. I am sure there is going to be a boom in the industry and I am happy at this coincidence," says
Harish.
Here's wishing you many more awards and honours,
Harish!
S Chitra
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