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**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**92-Year-Old Flautist Set to Debut Album, Inspires with Passion and Innovation**

**CHENNAI, September 16, 2025** – Age is no barrier to achievement, as proven by 92-year-old S. Hariharan, one of India’s oldest performing flautists, who is set to release his debut album, *Gems of Carnatic Music*, this Diwali.

Hariharan, born in 1933, has lived a life intertwined with India’s history and culture, from witnessing the Independence struggle to accompanying legendary dancers. He has met prominent figures like Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, and heard musical giants before the age of microphones. Now, Hariharan’s new project is this debut album. Titled Gems of Carnatic Music, the album is testament to Hariharan’s amazing zest for life and an undying passion for his music.

*Gems of Carnatic Music* features compositions by Muthuswami Dikshitar, Thyagaraja, Shyama Shastri, Swathi Thirunal, Papanasam Sivan and others, presented in Hariharan’s unique style. The album offers a collection of his favorite songs that his family, friends, and well-wishers can enjoy without the constraint of time.

Hariharan’s journey with the flute began at age 11, leading him to learn from his sister, and later emulate his idol, flute maestro T.R. Mahalingam. This led him to transitioning from shorter flutes commonly used in South India to the longer ones employed in the Hindustani style of music. Hariharan was introduced to this instrument by the late Devaprasad Bannerjee, a Hindustani flautist from Kolkata. He is not just a musician; an engineer by profession. Also, he is credited with pioneering flute jugalbandis, is also an engineer and former lecturer at Rabindra Bharati University.

Even more remarkable is Hariharan’s vitality. A cancer survivor, he credits his recovery to a positive attitude, healthy living, and regular yoga practice. He continues to practice yoga daily at 92 and recorded all 14 pieces for the album in five hours at a stretch without a single retake.

Hariharan and his wife, Carnatic vocalist Kamala, are also avid users of technology, using YouTube to discover and mentor young talent. He welcomes technological advancements like AI in music, believing they can enhance, but not replace, the heart and soul of Carnatic music.

Looking ahead, Hariharan is exploring a collaboration that blends Carnatic music with blues. He urges musicians to collaborate across genres while preserving the essence of their art form.

Updates on the album release can be found on @srinath.hariharan.

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