Singer Krishna Kumar Kanth alias KK, who gave countless memorable songs to the film music industry in India, died on Tuesday at the age of 53 after he fell ill after a concert in Calcutta.
According to Indian media, the health of Krishna Kumar Kanth, known by the stage name ‘KK’, deteriorated during a live performance at Nazar Almancha Auditorium in Calcutta.
According to Indian Express, after the performance, he was taken to the Calcutta Medical and Research Institute, where he could not recover.
According to a Hindustan Times report, a senior doctor at the hospital said he was feeling unwell before being brought to the hospital at 10 pm.
According to him: ‘He was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. It is unfortunate that we cannot treat them.’
According to the newspaper, when he returned to the hotel after the concert, he felt heavy and soon collapsed. He also complained of feeling unwell during the performance and expressed discomfort with bright lights. On returning from the concert, he also complained of getting cold from the AC in the car.
According to Hindustan Times, KK’s post-mortem will be conducted on Wednesday to determine the cause of death, but doctors suspect he suffered a heart attack.
A few hours before his death, he also shared a photo of the concert on his Instagram.
On the news of KK’s death, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bollywood expressed their condolences from all over the world.
In his condolence message on Twitter, Prime Minister Modi said that ‘His songs are brothers to people of all ages. He will always be remembered for his songs.’
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
Indian politician Rahul Gandhi also offered his condolences to the family of KKK.
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
Actor Akshay Kumar said that KK’s death is a great loss.
Extremely sad and shocked to know of the sad demise of KK. What a loss! Om Shanti
— Akshay Kumar (@akshaykumar) May 31, 2022
Singer Shreya Ghoshal said that KK was the most gentle and humble person.
One of the most humble, gentle, pure human being I have met in my life. God’s dear child was sent to spread love in the lives of millions of fans, friends and colleagues. Now God needed him back? So soon?! Cruel!! Cant imagine what his family is going through. pic.twitter.com/AwDqAGnT3E
— Shreya Ghoshal (@shreyaghoshal) May 31, 2022
Adnan Sami said, “They can’t believe it.”
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif said that he was very sorry for the death of KK.
Disheartened by the death of a very talented and versatile singer KK. May god bless his soul.#RIPKK
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) May 31, 2022
Actor Vivek Oberoi, whose song from the film ‘Sathiya’ was recorded by KK, said, ‘It is a sad day for everyone and we are left with only their memories. ‘Heaven has got your tune.’
#RIPKK Can’t believe KK is gone.
It’s a sad day for all. Always loved his voice & cherished his songs. Thanks for giving me O Humdum Suniyo, everytime I hear it,I will think of you brother. Today we are left with only your voice & memories & heaven has got your melody
About Shanti! pic.twitter.com/tLn0ZgF4Yj— Vivek Anand Oberoi (@vivekoberoi) May 31, 2022
Actor Manoj Bajpayee said, ‘He was a man like a diamond.’
It’s so so heartbreaking!! A talent with grace & dignity! Pure gem of a person ! Known him for many years!! Will take a lot of time to come to terms with this loss!! Condolences to his family & friends!! #RIPKK SPEECHLESS!! Om Shanti
— manoj bajpayee (@BajpayeeManoj) May 31, 2022
Singer and musician Anu Malik said, ‘He left too soon.’
Actress Preity Zinta said that she is shocked by the news of KK’s death. ‘
So Shocked to hear of KK’s passing What an amazing talent he was. Thank you KK for all those iconic songs. You will live in our hearts forever Life is so fragile & cruel. My sincere & heartfelt condolences to his family, friends & well wishers. #Gonetoosoon #shocked #RIPKK pic.twitter.com/6hJHs1lUrp
— Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) May 31, 2022
In Pakistan too, his fans are saddened by his death and ‘Rest in Peace KK’ is trending on Twitter.
Pakistani actor Rabia Butt expressed surprise at this news in her Instagram story and said, ‘First Sidhu Musewala and now KK.’
Singer Momina Mustahsan also expressed grief over the death of KK after Sidhu Musewala in her Instagram story.
Singer Farhan Saeed shared a post by writing the lyrics of his song ‘Pyaar Ke Pul’.
Songs full of romance and sadness
KK’s debut album ‘Pul’ was released in 1999 with popular songs ‘Pyaar Ke Pul’ and ‘Yaaroon’.
The lyrics of ‘Pyaar Ke Pul’ highlight the transitory nature of human life. ‘Pyaar Ke Pul’ has over 6.6 million views on YouTube so far and ‘Yaaroon’, a song celebrating the importance of friendship, has over 1.1 crore views.
His mellow tones and mellow voice soon won the hearts of fans and thus he became a household name in the playback world of Bollywood as well.
His first song for Bollywood was in 1999 for Salman Khan and Aishwarya Rai’s super hit movie ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’.
In his voice, ‘Tarap Tarap Ke Iss Dil Se’ proved to be one of the super hit songs of the film.
He never looked back after that and went on to sing countless romantic and melancholy songs for Bollywood and South Indian cinema, including ‘Aankhon Mein Teri’ from ‘Om Shanti Om’ and ‘Rahna Hai Tere Dil Mein’. ‘Sach Kehe Hai Deewana’ and many other hit songs included.
According to News18, KK was born in Delhi in August 1968 and started his career in music for commercials after graduating from Karuri Mill College, Delhi University.
He is survived by wife Jyoti Krishna and two children.
#Jannat #Aap #Dhan #Gai #Indian #Singer #Chal #Buse
Interview with Music Historian and Journalist, Anjali Verma
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Anjali. The news of KK’s passing has shocked many, especially within the music industry. As a music historian, what do you think his legacy will be?
Anjali Verma: Thank you for having me. KK’s legacy is truly remarkable. He had a unique ability to connect with audiences of all ages through his songs. He provided the soundtrack to many people’s lives, from romantic moments to poignant reflections. His soulful voice and emotive delivery made him a beloved figure in Indian music. He will always be remembered for classics like “Yaaron” and “Pyaar Ke Pul,” which touched hearts and became anthems for many.
Editor: It’s been reported that he fell ill after a live performance in Calcutta and unfortunately could not be revived at the hospital. How does this sudden passing impact the way we perceive live performances?
Anjali Verma: It highlights the importance of health and well-being for artists who often push themselves to deliver for their fans. Live performances can be physically demanding, and it’s critical for artists to prioritize their health. This incident serves as a wake-up call for the industry regarding the pressures artists face, and it reminds us how fragile life can be, especially in the realms of performance and creativity.
Editor: Many celebrities and fans have shared their condolences, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and actor Akshay Kumar. What does this outpouring of grief say about KK’s impact on society?
Anjali Verma: The widespread grief reflects his immense influence not just in the music industry but across society as a whole. KK’s songs resonated with people from different walks of life, and his lyrics often captured the nuances of human emotions. The reactions from public figures, celebrities, and fans alike demonstrate that his music was a part of many people’s lives, which adds a layer of collective mourning to his loss.
Editor: What do you think will be the lasting impact of his music beyond his passing?
Anjali Verma: KK’s music will undoubtedly live on. His songs have been integral to the soundtracks of many films and personal moments. The beauty of music is that it transcends time; even in his absence, new generations will discover and relate to his works. I believe songs like “Yaaron” will continue to inspire, comfort, and evoke nostalgia for years to come. KK’s melodies will remain a part of the cultural fabric of India.
Editor: Thank you, Anjali, for your insights on this tragic event and for honoring the legacy of KK.
Anjali Verma: Thank you for having me. It’s important to remember and celebrate artists like KK, whose contributions brought us joy and connection.
Life can be, even for those who seem larger than life on stage. Artists like KK often give so much of themselves in performances, and we need to ensure they have the support they need to take care of their health.
Editor: That’s a poignant reminder. KK’s influence stretched beyond just his music; he resonated deeply with many. In your opinion, what made his songs so relatable and timeless?
Anjali Verma: KK had an extraordinary gift for expressing complex emotions in a way that felt accessible to everyone. His lyrics often conveyed feelings of love, longing, and friendship, and when paired with his mellifluous voice, they created a connection that felt personal. Songs like “Aankhon Mein Teri” and “Rahna Hai Tere Dil Mein” became anthems for many, encapsulating experiences we all go through in life. His ability to blend romance with sadness in his melodies is what gives his work a timeless quality.
Editor: How do you think the music industry will remember him in the coming years?
Anjali Verma: I believe KK will be remembered not just as a talented singer but as a cultural icon who impacted music across generations. His songs will continue to play at weddings, parties, and reflective moments. Tributes, covers, and remixes will keep his memory alive, ensuring that his contributions to Indian music are honored for years and decades to come.
Editor: You mentioned that his songs often represented universal experiences. How do you think this has contributed to his international appeal, even reaching fans outside of India?
Anjali Verma: Absolutely. Music knows no boundaries, and KK’s ability to convey deep emotions through his songs allows people, regardless of their cultural background, to connect with his work. His collaborations and the use of his music in various films have introduced his voice to a global audience. This cross-cultural resonance is what makes KK a truly universal artist—and that alone ensures his legacy will live on beyond India.
Editor: Thank you, Anjali, for sharing your insights on KK’s legacy. His impact on the music world is truly profound, and he will be dearly missed.
Anjali Verma: Thank you for having me. He will indeed be remembered fondly, and his music will forever echo in the hearts of many.
