KK
KK performing at the Jockey Club Auditorium in Hong Kong, 2012
Born
Krishnakumar Kunnath

(1968-08-23)23 August 1968
Delhi, India
Died31 May 2022(2022-05-31) (aged 53)
Kolkata, India
Alma materKirori Mal College (University of Delhi)
OccupationPlayback singer
Years active1994–2022
Spouse
Jyothy
​
(m. 1991)​
Children2
Musical career
Genres

Krishnakumar Kunnath (23 August 1968 – 31 May 2022), popularly known as KK, was an Indian playback singer. He recorded songs in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Bengali, Assamese and Gujarati. KK began his career by singing advertising jingles and made his film debut in 1996 on an A. R. Rahman soundtrack.[1][2][3]

KK released his debut album, Pal in 1999. The songs "Pal" and "Yaaron" from the album became popular, and are used in school graduations. His popular songs included "Tadap Tadap Ke Is Dil Se" from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), the Tamil song "Apadi Podu" from Ghilli (2004), "Uyirin Uyirae" from Kaaka Kaaka (2003), "Dola Re Dola" from Devdas (2002), "Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai" from Woh Lamhe... (2006), "Aankhon Mein Teri" from Om Shanti Om (2007), "Khuda Jane" from Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008), "Piya Aaye Na" from Aashiqui 2 (2013), "Mat Aazma Re" from Murder 3 (2013), "India Wale" from Happy New Year (2014), and "Tu Jo Mila" from Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015).[4]

KK received the 2009 Best Playback Singer – Male Screen Award for "Khuda Jaane", from the film Bachna Ae Haseeno. KK received six Filmfare Awards nominations.

Early life

Born in Delhi on 23 August 1968 to Malayali parents, Krishnakumar Kunnath grew up in New Delhi.[5] He sang 3,500 jingles before breaking into Bollywood.[6]

KK attended Delhi's Mount St Mary's School,[6] and Kirori Mal College,[7] Delhi University. He appeared in the song "Josh of India", released to support the Indian national team during the 1999 Cricket World Cup.[8]

KK married Jyothy in 1991.[9] His son, Nakul Krishna Kunnath, sang "Masti" (from his album, Humsafar) with him.[10] KK also has a daughter.[11]

Career

After receiving a degree in commerce from Kirori Mal College, KK spent six months as a marketing executive before pursuing his love of music. He struggled to establish himself in the competitive recording industry, singing at hotels to make ends meet.[12][13] KK moved to Mumbai in 1994.[9]

Vocals and musical style

KK had no formal musical training.[14] According to film director Mahesh Bhatt, "KK had an emotional bandwidth which echoed all the seasons of the heart. He could be frivolous, romantic and anguished. He could go into the depths, talk about the wonder and magic of life."[15]

KK believed that it was unimportant for a singer's face to be seen, but "a singer must be heard".[16] In a 2019 interview, he said that he felt comfortable with a microphone but awkward in front of a camera. KK valued and "fiercely" protected his privacy.[17] He did not want his singing to be associated with a particular actor and preferred singing for a number of actors.[18] He is widely regarded as a highly versatile singer. [19]

Playback singing

In 1994, KK gave a demo tape to Louis Banks, Ranjit Barot and Lesle Lewis. He was called by UTV, and sang a jingle for a Santogen Suiting ad.[10] In a four-year period, KK sang over 3,500 jingles in 11 languages. He considered Lesle Lewis his mentor for giving him his first jingle to sing in Mumbai.[9] KK then became a playback singer, beginning with A. R. Rahman's "Kalluri Saaley" and "Hello Dr." from Kadir's Kadhal Desam and "Strawberry Kannae" from AVM Productions's 1997 musical film, Minsara Kanavu.[20]

Hindi

KK made his Bollywood debut with the song "Tadap Tadap Ke Is Dil Se" in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999).[20] Before this song, however, he had sung parts of "Chhod Aaye Hum" in Gulzar's Maachis (1996).[21] KK considered "Tadap Tadap Ke Is Dil Se" the turning point of his career.[22] Other popular songs included "Dola Re Dola" in Devdas (2002), "Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai" in Woh Lamhe... (2006), "Aankhon Mein Teri" in Om Shanti Om (2007), "Khuda Jane" in Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008), "Piya Aaye Na" in Aashiqui 2 (2013), "Mat Aazma Re" in Murder 3 (2013), "India Wale" in Happy New Year (2014) and "Tu Jo Mila" from Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015).[4]

KK received six Filmfare Awards nominations. He received the 2009 Screen Awards Best Playback Singer – Male award for "Khuda Jaane", from the film Bachna Ae Haseeno.[23] In 2022, KK worked with filmmaker Srijit Mukherji and lyricist Gulzar on a song for Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga.[24] The song, "Dhoop Paani Bahne De", was the first song released since his death.

Tamil

KK sang popular songs in several languages, including Tamil. According to Outlook, his songs defined Tamil film music during the 2000s and became part of Tamil culture. In 2004, KK's Tamil song "Appadi Podu" became popular across India and was played at clubs and weddings. He worked with A. R. Rahman on "Strawberry Kanne", a popular song, in 1997.[25]

He had a decade of hit songs during the 2000s. KK sang "Love Pannu" for Harris Jayaraj in 2001, followed by "Kadhal Oru Thani Katchi" and "Gundu Gundu Ponne". In 2003, he had two hits composed by Harris Jayaraj: "Uyirin Uyire" and "Kalyanam Dhaan Kattitkittu". "Uyirin Uyire" was popular in cities, and "Kalyanam Dhaan Kattitkittu" became popular across Tamil Nadu.[25]

KK sang "Kadhal Valarthen", composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja. He worked with Harris Jayaraj and Yuvan Shankar Raja to produce two hit songs: "Kadhalikkum Aasai" and "Ninaithu Ninaithu". "Andankaaka Kondaikaari", composed by Harris Jayaraj, was another successful song. KK sang "Annanoda Paatu" in the film Chandramukhi. Other Tamil hit songs by were "Pani Thuli", "Olikuchi Udambukari", and "Lelakku Lelakku Lela".[25] Despite his birth to a Malayali family in Thrissur, KK sang only one Malayalam song in his 25-year career: "Rahasyamay" in Puthiya Mukham (2009).[26]

Albums

KK at a concert in 2009

In 1999, Sony Music had been launched in India and wanted to introduce a new artiste. KK was selected, and released his debut solo album: Pal, with music by Lesle Lewis of the duo Colonial Cousins (who also arranged and produced the album).[4] Pal was a pop rock album.[26] and the songs "Aap Ki Dua", "Yaaron" and the title track, "Pal" were popular with audiences and on the music charts; "Pal" and "Yaaron" are frequently played at school farewells.[27] KK received the 1999 Screen Award for Best Singer – Male (non-film music) for the album.[28]

He released his next album, Humsafar, on 22 January 2008.[29] Humsafar featured "Aasman Ke", "Dekho Na", "Yeh Kahan Mil Gaye Hum", "Rain Bhai Kaari (Maajhi)", and the English-language ballad "Cineraria".[22] The lyrics of its title track are a mixture of English and Hindi, and eight songs on the album were composed by KK.[22]

Television

He sang many songs for television serials, including Just Mohabbat, Shaka Laka Boom Boom, Kuch Jhuki Si Palkein, Hip Hip Hurray, Kkavyanjali and Just Dance.[30] KK was a jury member on the talent-hunt show, Fame Gurukul.[31]

He sang "Tanha Chala" on the Pakistani TV show The Ghost, which aired on Hum TV in 2008. The song was composed by Farrukh Abid and Shoiab Farrukh, with lyrics by Momina Duraid.[32]

KK appeared on the MTV India musical programme Coke Studio,[33] singing the qawwali "Chadta Suraj" with the Sabri Brothers and a reprise of "Tu Aashiqui Hai" from Jhankaar Beats.[34] He appeared on Surili Baat, on the Aaj Tak channel.[35] KK performed on Sony Mix and MTV Unplugged, which aired on MTV on 11 January 2014. He presented his Salaam Dubai 2014 concert in Dubai in April 2014,[36] and performed in concert in Goa, Dubai, Chennai and Hong Kong.[36][37]

On 29 August 2015, KK appeared in season two of the television singing-reality show Indian Idol Junior as a judge and guest jury member.[38] On 13 September of that year, he appeared on the Sony Mix show Baaton Baaton Mein.[38] In a 2019 Hindustan Times interview, KK said that he was active in the music industry with live performances and playback singing. Live performances made him happy; he did not want to abandon his "commitment to the audience", and wanted to release a new album after the 2008 success of his second album.[39]

Death

On 31 May 2022, KK performed a concert at a college festival at Nazrul Mancha in South Kolkata.[40] After the concert, he returned to his hotel in Esplanade. KK complained of feeling unwell on the way back to his hotel, where he experienced cardiac arrest. He collapsed, and efforts to revive him at the hotel were unsuccessful.[41] KK was rushed to Calcutta Medical Research Institute (CMRI) at about 10:30 pm, where he was declared dead.[42][43] He was 53 years old.[44]

On 1 June 2022, Kolkata Police registered a case of unnatural death to investigate KK's death.[45][46] His autopsy was videographed; the report cited myocardial infarction (heart attack) as the probable cause of death,[47] ruling out foul play. According to the doctor who conducted the autopsy, KK could have survived if he had received cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately after losing consciousness.[48] He had complained to his wife about pain in his shoulder and arm for several days before his death, thinking it was caused by digestive problems. According to the autopsy report, KK's heart had an 80-percent blockage. Three public interest litigations (PILs) related to the singer's death were registered in the Calcutta High Court.[49]

Funeral and tributes

KK was given a gun salute by the West Bengal government at Rabindra Sadan in Kolkata.[50] West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee was present for the salute; film- and music-industry figures and politicians, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, offered their condolences.[51] KK's remains were brought to Mumbai,[51] and his funeral was held at the Versova Hindu Cemetery on the following day (2 June). It was attended by family members, friends and colleagues.[52]

Reporting KK's death, Deccan Herald called him the "voice of love".[53] According to The Times of India, he was Bollywood's most versatile singer.[54] An article in The Hindu said, "Till the end, he remained a rage in the concert circuit and will be remembered as the singer who became the voice of the heart".[34]

Discography

"Pal" ("Moments")

Whether we are there tomorrow or not,
These moments will nevertheless be remembered.
Moments - these are moments of love,
Come, come along with me.
Come, what are you thinking,
Life is short
If we do get a tomorrow, it would be good fortune.

– English translation of KK's "Pal", the last song at his final concert[55]

Year Album(s) Music director
Solo
1999 Pal Lesle Lewis[27]
2008 Humsafar KK[22]
Compilations
2002 Humraaz Himesh Reshammiya[56]
2011 Soulful Voice KK Various[57]
2014 #Now Playing: KK Hits Various[58]
2013 KK: Best Of Me Various[59]
2015 Musical Bond: Pritam & KK Pritam Chakraborty[60]

Awards and honors

In a Hindustan Times interview, KK was asked if he was bothered by being nominated for a number of awards but seldom winning. He said no: "As a singer, I haven't felt any lesser by not getting an award. Winning or not winning an award doesn't affect me. I just like to do my work in the best possible manner. I am happy getting good songs. I am happy not getting awards."[61]

Filmfare Awards
2000 Best Male Playback Singer "Tadap Tadap" (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam)[62] Nominated
2003 "Bardaasht Nahi Kar Sakta" (Humraaz)[63]
2006 "Dus Bahane" (Dus)[64]
2008 "Aankhon Mein Teri" (Om Shanti Om)[64]
2009 "Zara Sa" (Jannat)[64]
"Khuda Jane" (Bachna Ae Haseeno)[65]
Screen Awards
1999 Best Singer – Male (non-film music) Pal Won[28]
2000 Best Playback Singer – Male "Tadap Tadap" (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam)[64] Nominated
2007 Best Playback Singer – Male "Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai" (Gangster)[64] Nominated
2008 Best Playback Singer – Male "Aankhon Mein Teri" (Om Shanti Om)[64] Nominated
2009 Best Playback Singer – Male "Khuda Jaane" (Bachna Ae Haseeno)[23] Won
Zee Cine Awards
2007 Best Playback Singer – Male "Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai" (Gangster)[64] Nominated
2008 Best Playback Singer – Male "Aankhon Mein Teri" (Om Shanti Om)[64] Nominated
2011 Best Playback Singer – Male "Zindagi Do Pal KI" (Kites)[66] Nominated
IIFA Awards
2000 Best Playback Singer – Male "Tadap Tadap" (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam)[64] Nominated
2004 Best Playback Singer – Male "Tu Aashiqui Hai" (Jhankaar Beats)[64]
2006 Best Playback Singer – Male "Dus Bahane" (Dus)[64]
2007 Best Playback Singer – Male "Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai" (Gangster)[64]
2008 Best Playback Singer – Male "Aankhon Mein Teri" (Om Shanti Om)[64]
2009 Best Playback Singer – Male "Khuda Jaane" (Bachna Ae Haseeno)[64]
Guild Film Awards
2008 Best Playback Singer – Male "Aankhon Mein Teri" (Om Shanti Om)[64] Nominated
2009 Best Playback Singer – Male "Khuda Jane" (Bachna Ae Haseeno)[64]
2011 Best Playback Singer – Male "Sajde" (Khatta Meetha)[67]
GiMA Awards
2011 Best Playback Singer – Male "Zindagi Do Pal Ki" (Kites)[68] Nominated

References

  1. ↑ "KK: Remembering the voice that touched millions of Indian love stories". BBC News. 7 June 2022. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
  2. ↑ "Dance Deewane Juniors: Usha Uthup tears up remembering KK, sings his iconic song Pyaar Ke Pal. Watch". Hindustan Times. 10 June 2022. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
  3. ↑ ANI. "Popular Bollywood singer KK dies at 53". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
  4. 1 2 3 "KK, Prominent Indian Singer, Dies at 53". Billboard. 31 May 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  5. ↑ R, Balaji (6 June 2005). "The KK factor". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 5 November 2012.
  6. 1 2 "KK sang 3,500 jingles before Bollywood break". Sify movies. 28 April 2009. Archived from the original on 12 April 2015. Retrieved 7 August 2009.
  7. ↑ "KK". saavn.com. Retrieved 15 December 2017.
  8. ↑ "KK Profile". In.com. Archived from the original on 11 May 2009. Retrieved 30 August 2009.
  9. 1 2 3 "Sensational Singer KK to Perform Live in City on Nov 23". Daijiworld.com. 22 November 2006.
  10. 1 2 Vijayakar, Rajiv (18 February 2008). "High Pitch". Screen.
  11. ↑ "KK's family reaches Kolkata, autopsy to be conducted today". India Today. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  12. ↑ Raj, Suhasini (1 June 2022). "KK, Singer of Bollywood Hits, Dies at 53 After a Concert". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  13. ↑ "Selling Typewriters To Sing: Friend Remembers KK's Days Of Struggle". NDTV.com. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  14. ↑ "KK: Facts about the singer we bet you don't know". The Times of India. 20 August 2015. Retrieved 17 February 2020.
  15. ↑ BHATTACHARYA, ROSHMILA (3 June 2022). "What Made KK EXCEPTIONAL". Rediff. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  16. ↑ "KK Interview with Bollywood Hungama". Bollywood Hungama. 15 April 2015. Archived from the original on 19 April 2015.
  17. ↑ Hungama, Bollywood (3 June 2022). "EXCLUSIVE: When KK spoke about why he was not too keen on 'being seen' – "I fiercely protect my privacy" : Bollywood News - Bollywood Hungama". Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  18. ↑ "Never wanted to be stuck with an actor's voice: KK". The Indian Express. 29 July 2015. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  19. ↑ "KK Birth Anniversary 2023: A look back at the musical journey of Bollywood's most versatile singer". mid-day entertainment. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
  20. 1 2 "It takes three to tango". The Hindu. 13 March 2007. Archived from the original on 14 March 2007.
  21. ↑ "KK, the Soulful Voice Behind Heartbreaking Hits Like Chhod Aaye Hum and Tadap Tadap, No More". News18. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  22. 1 2 3 4 "KK turns composer with Humsafar". Sify Movies. 27 January 2008. Archived from the original on 2 February 2013.
  23. 1 2 "Winners of the Star Screen Awards". PINKVILLA. 15 January 2009. Archived from the original on 1 June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  24. ↑ "Veteran lyricist Gulzar, KK reunite for a song in Srijit Mukherji's film 'Sherdil'". The Economic Times. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  25. 1 2 3 "Check Out KK's Evergreen Tamil Hits, From 'Uyirin Uyire' To 'Appadi Podu'". Outlook. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  26. 1 2 Praveen, S. R. (1 June 2022). "Singer KK, a rare Malayali singer who made it big in Bollywood". The Hindu. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  27. 1 2 Dixit, Mini (23 August 2016). "Happy Birthday, KK: The man whose songs made farewells a little more teary". indiatoday.in. India Today. Retrieved 24 September 2016.
  28. 1 2 "8th Annual Star Screen Awards 1999". Screen India. Archived from the original on 24 June 2009. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
  29. ↑ "Star-studded music launches are back". Screen India. 5 February 2008.
  30. ↑ Roy, Tanushree (1 June 2022). "After KK's demise, title song of 90s TV show Just Mohabbat goes viral". India Today. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  31. ↑ "Composing music is an extension of my being: KK". Sify movies. 24 February 2008. Archived from the original on 2 February 2013.
  32. ↑ Listen to OST Tanha Chala Song by K.K. on Gaana.com, retrieved 1 June 2022
  33. ↑ "Tu Aashiqui Hai - KK Coke Studio @ MTV Season 1". YouTube. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  34. 1 2 Kumar, Anuj (1 June 2022). "Singer KK, a voice that regaled swooning hearts and jilted lovers alike". The Hindu. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  35. ↑ "KK Death: ...जब केके ने आजतक पर अपनी सुरीली आवाज से बांधा था 'सुरों का समां'". आज तक (in Hindi). Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  36. 1 2 "KK, Monali Thakur and Arijit Singh rock Dubai". en-maktoob.entertainment.yahoo.com. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  37. ↑ "KK Live in Hong Kong". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  38. 1 2 "KK plans first world tour as his career clocks 20". The Statesman. 25 November 2015. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  39. ↑ "Singer KK dies: He had wanted to do a single or album for a long time, but here's why he couldn't". Hindustan Times. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  40. ↑ "Singer KK Filmed Rushing From Concert, Died On Way To Hospital". NDTV.com. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  41. ↑ "PM Narendra Modi, Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar among others offer condolences to singer KK who passed away at 53". TimesNow. June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  42. ↑ "KK dies at 53: Singer shared pictures of final performance just hours before death; fans say, 'he looked so fit'". Hindustan Times. June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  43. ↑ Singh, Shiv Sahay (31 May 2022). "Singer KK dies in Kolkata". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  44. ↑ "Bollywood playback singer KK passes away while performing at a concert". DNA India. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  45. ↑ "Singer KK's Death Updates: Kolkata Police Registers Unnatural Death Case". NDTV.com. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  46. ↑ "Singer KK's demise: Kolkata Police registers unnatural death case". The Hindu. 1 June 2022. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  47. ↑ "Singer KK May Have Had A Heart Disease: Sources". NDTV.com. 2 June 2022. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  48. ↑ "Singer KK could have been saved if CPR was given on time: Doctor". The Hindu. 2 June 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  49. ↑ "KK death: Three cases filed in Calcutta HC demanding CBI probe". Free Press Journal. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
  50. ↑ "At Singer KK's Cremation In Mumbai, Shocked Film Industry Pays Tribute". NDTV.com. 2 June 2022. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  51. 1 2 "Singer KK dies: 'Will remember him through his songs'- PM Modi leads nation in paying tributes". Hindustan Times. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  52. ↑ "A teary farewell: KK cremated in Mumbai in presence of family & friends; colleagues Shreya Ghoshal, Hariharan, Javed Akhtar pay tribute". The Economic Times. 2 June 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  53. ↑ "RIP KK: The top songs by the 'Voice of Love'". Deccan Herald. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  54. ↑ "KK dies at 53: A look back at the musical journey of Bollywood's most versatile singer - Times of India". The Times of India. June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  55. ↑ "KK's last song at final Kolkata concert was Pal, emotional fans call it 'so ironical'". Hindustan Times. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 11 June 2022.
  56. ↑ "'Ghosts came everytime Jhalak Dikhlaja was played': Himesh Reshammiya picks his 9 favourite songs". The Indian Express. 23 July 2021. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  57. ↑ "Soulful Voice K K by KK". 3 March 2011. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  58. ↑ #NowPlaying: KK Hits, Spotify, 17 July 2014, retrieved 1 June 2022
  59. ↑ "KK: Best Of Me". Spotify. 27 April 2015.
  60. ↑ "Musical Bond: Pritam & KK". 28 May 2015. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  61. ↑ "I am happy not getting awards: KK". Hindustan Times. 1 July 2016. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  62. ↑ IndiaFM News Bureau. "The 45th Filmfare Awards 2000 Nominations". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 19 November 2000. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
  63. ↑ "Humraaz : Awards and Nominations". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 29 May 2009. Retrieved 17 September 2011.
  64. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 "K K : Awards & Nominations". Bollywood Hungama. 26 June 2009. Archived from the original on 26 June 2009. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  65. ↑ Webmaster (16 February 2009). "Nominations for the 54th Filmfare Awards". Radio Sargam (RS). Archived from the original on 3 April 2010. Retrieved 9 March 2010.
  66. ↑ "Nominations: Zee Cine Awards 2011". NDTV.com. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  67. ↑ "Nominations for 6th Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 9 January 2011. Retrieved 7 January 2011.
  68. ↑ "Asha Bhosle, Sonu Nigam and Shaan at the Chevrolet GIMA Awards 2011 Conference". MissMalini | Latest Bollywood, Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle News. 1 September 2011. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
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