Happy Birthday Harris Jayaraj!

Today is the birthday of music director Harris Jayaraj. Reason enough for music afficionados to revel!

His father S.M.Jayakumar's guitar was what lured Harris towards music. But as soon as he learnt the basics, he chose the keyboard as the instrument for his exploration. While�mastering the instrument he also enrolled at the The Trinity Music College London and acquired knowledge in the musical theories. He began his musical journey as a keyboardist. For about 12 years, he played in several music directors' troupes and assisted them during composing sessions. After gaining considerable experience, he stepped into the ad world and started making jingles.

Harris' music for Minnale topped the charts. Still it tops the listeners' all-time favourite list. Though his work for Minnale gave the debutant music director a mighty start in the industry, in real terms, Harris' first film was the Prashanth-starrer Majnu. Following Minnale Harris composed music for 12B and Koil and the films' music too became popular. Anniyan, his successful tryst with director Shankar further strengthened Harris' position in the industry. Along came Ghajini. By then the music director had made his mark in the industry. The directors�and the public certainly looked forward to his listener-savvy numbers.

Director Gautham Menon and Harris Jayaraj share a unique chemistry between them. Since their first combo production Minnale till the most recent Vaaranam Aayiram, the alliance has been remarkably successful.

Between the recent crop of debutante musicians and the existing panel of experts, what makes Harris' compositions special? Well, certainly it is his style that has brought him a clear identity and recognition. Harris' natural impulses for melodies and his exclusive expertise for constructing them intelligently and tastefully has set him apart and above all his counterparts. He is also one among the talented music directors�who can exploit�a singer's skills�well and showcase it appealingly. He is the one who turned the spotlight on singers like Bombay Jayashree ('Vaseegara' in Minnale), Mahathi ('Mudhal Mazhai' in Bheemaa), Prashanthini('Mundhinam Paarthene' in Vaaranam Aayiram).

Harris has won the Tamilnadu state award and Filmfare award, twice for best composer. Many grand productions in his music are on the anvil. On his birthday today, let us wish him all the very best in his career! A very happy birthday Harris!