KOLKATA: Singer-composer KK, whose real name was Krishnakumar Kunnath, has died in Kolkata aged 53.
He was in the city for a two-day concert and fell ill during an event. He was taken to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. He died of a suspected heart attack.
One of the most versatile singers in the Indian film industry, KK recorded songs in several languages including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Bengali.
He is best known for his songs like “Zindagi Do Pal Ki” from the movie Kites, “Aankhon Mein Teri” from the movie Om Shanti Om, “Khuda Jaane” from the movie Bachna Ae Haseeno, “Tadap Tadap” from the movie Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam among others.
KK was known as the heartfelt multilingual singer behind Hindi songs like “Yaaron” and “Pal” from his 1999 album Pal. The song “Yaaron” received a bigger push following its inclusion in the soundtrack for the coming of age film Rockford.
He worked with Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, A.R. Rahman, Anu Malik, Pritam, Harris Jayaraj, Gurukiran and others across languages.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was “saddened” by the untimely demise of noted singer KK. ” His songs reflected a wide range of emotions as struck a chord with people of all age groups. We will always remember him through his songs,” he added.
Saddened by the untimely demise of noted singer Krishnakumar Kunnath popularly known as KK. His songs reflected a wide range of emotions as struck a chord with people of all age groups. We will always remember him through his songs. Condolences to his family and fans. Om Shanti.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 31, 2022
Several celebrities from the Indian music industry paid heartfelt tributes to KK after the demise of the popular playback singer.
Shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden demise of an extremely talented and dignified singer of the film fraternity. An amazing original voice with a tremendous range.
RIP dear KK. Heartfelt condolences to the family ????????????????Too many going too soon ????https://t.co/i9AB3pNgu2
— Jaaved Jaaferi (@jaavedjaaferi) May 31, 2022
KK no more !!! I am failing to make sense of people leaving the world at such young age. Deeply saddened- he was a great guy and fabulous singer- huge loss to the music world – Deepest condolences to the family and loved ones. ???????? Om Shanti.
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) May 31, 2022
Krishnakumar Kunnath, fondly known as KK, was one of the most versatile singers of the Indian music industry. His soulful voice gave us many memorable songs.
Saddened by the news of his untimely demise last night. My heartfelt condolences to his family & fans across the world. pic.twitter.com/7Es5qklcHc
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 1, 2022
Extremely sad and shocked to know of the sad demise of KK. What a loss! Om Shanti ????????
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) May 31, 2022
This is such shocking and sad news. KK, thank you for sharing your talent with us all. Gone too soon. Rest in harmony!
— Abhishek ???????????????????????????????? (@juniorbachchan) May 31, 2022
I am unable to wrap my head around this news. Numb. #KK Why! This is too hard to accept! Heart is shattered in pieces.
— Shreya Ghoshal (@shreyaghoshal) May 31, 2022
This cannot be real.@K_K_Pal , nothing will be the same without you. Nothing. My heart is in tatters.
The voice of purity itself, of kindness of decency, of a true heart of gold. Gone.
— VISHAL DADLANI (@VishalDadlani) May 31, 2022
