Among the renowned songs performed by the legendary singer Hariharan are Tu Hi Re, Ay Hairate, and Johnka Hawa Ka. But, in his 50-year career, the Hanuman Chalisa is one version that never ceases to make him feel humble. The vocalist described an intriguing moment during his trip to the Pushkar temple in a recent interview, when the priest nearly touched his feet as a show of respect for his bhajan singing.

Hariharan discusses the affection he has received for the Hanuman Chalisa

The interviewer stated in a podcast with Radio Nasha that Hariharan's rendition of the Hanuman Chalisa has received over 4 billion YouTube views. "I am humbled to see people's devotion," Hariharan remarked when acknowledging the love he has received for singing the bhajan. I went to Pushkar, where Brahma has only one temple, and the priest there nearly touched my feet while folding his hands in pranam. I asked him, "Maharaj ji, aap kya kar rahe hai (what are you doing)," to which he replied, "Aapke Hanuman Chalisa se hum apna din aarambh karte hai" (We start our days with your Hanuman Chalisa).

"So anywhere I go, North or South, people tell me, 'Sir, we listen to your Hanuman Chalisa'. It is such a big blessing for me. I'd be in their thoughts every time someone listened to it. "It's the biggest thing in India," Hariharan said.

Hariharan discusses his relationship with AR Rahman

The vocalist also discussed his collaborating experience with AR Rahman, the Oscar-winning music composer. Roja, Bombay, Taal, Guru, and Rangeela are just a few of the many unforgettable movies they have worked on together.

Hariharan jokingly referred to him as 'raat ka raja' (king of the night) and remarked, "He used to like working at night and sleeping during the day, so I always told him to let me know one or two days in advance so that I could catch up on my sleep during the day and get used to your working style." I enjoyed collaborating with him. He always brought out the best in me. He put me in that safe place.