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Krishnakumar Kunnath, better known as KK, passed away in Kolkata on May 31. He breathed his last after he performed in Kolkata’s Nazrul Mancha. Nobody would have thought in their wildest of dreams that it would be singers’ last Pal, (an album which shot him to fame!). His sudden death has left his millions of fans shocked and in disbelief that KK is no more.
His songs instantly struck a chord with the music lovers. Born and bought up in Delhi, KK was already a hit among the audience whenever he performed during his college days at Kirori Mal College. In 1994, he moved to Mumbai, city of dreams, to follow one of his own in the world of music.
With more than 3000 jingles to his credit, KK finally got a break with A R Rahman for the Tamil film Kadhal Desam, followed by Chhod Aaye Hum from Maachis by Vishal Bhardwaj. And then came his turn to rise to fame with Tadap Tadap Ke from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.
He notched up a line of winners with songs such as Tu Aashiqui Hai from Jhankaar Beats (for which he received a National Award), Chand Ki Roshni Se from Home Delivery, Awarapan Banjarapan from Jism, It’s The Time To Disco from Kal Ho Naa Ho and the smash hit Dus Bahaane (with Shaan) from the film Dus.
His other hit songs include Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai from the movie Gangster, Alvida Alvida from Life in a Metro, Ajab Si from Om Shanti Om and Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai from Woh Lamhe. His next smash hit Khuda jaane was from the film Bachna Ae Haseeno released in August 2008.
Also, according to many, he was the new voice of India in the sense that almost all struggling singers want his voice. He recorded songs in several languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Bengali, Assamese and Gujarati. Hours before he passed away, he did what he loved the most. He was performing on stage. He sang the song ‘Pal’ one last time.
The truth in the words ‘Hum rahe ya na rahe kal, kal yaad ayenge yeh pal,’ hit home the same night. An irony, all good singers have left too early, be it Mohd. Rafi, Kishore Kumar and now KK, but with their soulful songs they shall live with generations, eternally.
