MUMBAI: Renowned playback singer Hariharan is all set to receive a prestigious award. The Madhya Pradesh government recently made the announcement to confer its prestigious ‘Lata Mangeshkar Samman Alankaran’ to the veteran.

Speaking with Radioandmusic.com, Hariharan said, “It is a good feeling to be awarded. There are so many awards but state awards and President’s award is fulfilling. Awards are to be enjoyed and not to be taken for granted.” He will be the 28th recipient of the award. Last year, music composer Rajesh Roshan was conferred with the award.

One of the pioneers of Indian fusion music Hariharan said, “There is so much westernization in music today. People are more into fusion and not many are doing purely one specific genre. It is nice to have such music till the time it is positive.” He along with Leslie Lewis had formed Colonial Cousins and delivered music fusing Indian and western genres.

He further added, “I don’t listen to much music that is coming in these days. I am totally into my own music and live in my own world.”

Hariharan has worked with tabla maestro Zakir Hussain on his album Hazir in 1992, is currently working to complete Hazir 2. “Hazir 2 is shaping up. There will be eight tracks and 30-40 per cent of the album is complete. I and Zakir Hussain have done a collaboration where he is working in San Francisco and I am working in India. And at times he has to come to India and work on it,” he said.

The singer would receive the award at a function in MP next month, the selection committee said. Hariharan had received the Padma Shri in 2004. The Lata Mangeshkar award is given to a musician and a playback singer in the alternate year.