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KK (singer)

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KK
KK (125).jpg
KK performing live at The JockeyClub Auditorium, Hong Kong
Born
Krishnakumar Kunnath

(1968-08-23)23 August 1968
Delhi, India
Died31 May 2022(2022-05-31) (aged 53)
Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Alma materKirori Mal College (University of Delhi)
OccupationSinger
Years active1994–2022
Spouse(s)
Jyothy
​
(m. 1991⁠–⁠2022)​
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 several languages, including Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Bengali, Assamese and Gujarati.[1]

KK began his career by singing for advertisement jingles, and made his film debut with an A.R. Rahman soundtrack. In 1999, he launched his debut album titled Pal. The songs "Pal" and "Yaaron" from the album Pal became very popular and are commonly used in school farewells. His popular songs included "Tadap Tadap Ke Is Dil Se" from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), the Tamil song "Apadi Podu", "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).[2]

In 2009, he won the Screen Awards, Best Playback Singer – Male for his song "Khuda Jaane" of the film Bachna Ae Haseeno. He has received six Filmfare Awards nominations.

Early life

Born in Delhi on 23 August 1968 to Malayali parents, Krishnakumar Kunnath grew up in New Delhi.[3] He sang 3,500 jingles before breaking into Bollywood.[4]

KK attended Delhi's Mount St Mary's School,[4] and Kirori Mal College,[5] Delhi University. He made an appearance in the song "Josh of India", released for the support of Indian Cricket Team during Cricket World Cup of 1999.[6]

KK married Jyothy in 1991.[7] His son Nakul Krishna Kunnath sang a song "Masti" from his album Humsafar with him.[8] KK also had a daughter.[9]

Career

After graduating in commerce from Kirori Mal College, KK had a brief stint of six months as a marketing executive. Then he chose to pursue his passion for music. He struggled to create a name for himself in the competitive recording industry at first, resorting to singing at hotels to make ends meet.[10][11] After few years, in 1994, he moved to Mumbai.[7]

Vocals and musical style

KK did not have any formal training in music.[12] 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."[13]

KK emphasized that it is not important for a singer's face to be prominently seen – saying he believes the important thing is that "a singer must be heard".[14] in a 2019, interview, KK said he felt comfortable with the mic but felt awkward in front of a camera. He valued and "fiercely" protected his privacy.[15] In his playback songs, KK never wanted to be the associated with the songs of any particular actor and preferred singing for diverse actors.[16]

Playback singing

In 1994, he gave his demo tape to Louis Banks, Ranjit Barot and Lesle Lewis to get a break in the music arena. He was called by UTV and he sang a jingle for Santogen Suiting ad.[8] In a span of four years, he sang more than 3,500 jingles across 11 languages. He considered Lesle Lewis as his mentor for giving him his first jingle to sing in Mumbai.[7] KK then transitioned into a playback singer, starting with A. R. Rahman's "Kalluri Saaley" and "Hello Dr." from Kadir's Kadhal Desam and then "Strawberry Kannae" from AVM Productions's 1997 musical film Minsara Kanavu.[17]

Hindi

He had his Bollywood debut from the song "Tadap Tadap Ke Is Dil Se" from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999).[17] However, prior to this song, he had sung parts of the song "Chhod Aaye Hum" from Gulzar's Maachis (1996).[18] KK considered the song "Tadap Tadap Ke Is Dil Se" a turning point of his career.[19]

His popular songs included "Tadap Tadap Ke Is Dil Se" from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999), the Tamil song "Apadi Podu", "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).[2]

He has received six Filmfare Awards nominations, but did not win any. In 2009, he won the Screen Awards, Best Playback Singer – Male for his song "Khuda Jaane" of the film Bachna Ae Haseeno.[20]

In 2022, KK worked with film maker Srijit Mukherji and veteran lyricist Gulzar on a song of the upcoming film 'Sherdil.[21]

Tamil

KK had sung hit songs in several languages including Tamil. According to Outlook his songs defined the Tamil film music era in the 2000s and his songs became part of Tamil culture. In 2004, his Tamil song "Appadi Podu", became popular across the country and was played at clubs and weddings. In 1997, KK worked with A. R. Rahman for the popular song "Strawberry Kanne".[22]

KK collaborated with Tamil music directors Harris Jayaraj and Yuvan Shankar Raja among others and released successful songs linked with the Tamil pop culture in the 2000s. KK had a decade of successful hit songs in the 2000s. He sung "Love Pannu" for Harris Jayaraj in 2001. Followed by "Kadhal Oru Thani Katchi" and "Gundu Gundu Ponne". In 2003, he had two major hits composed by Harris Jayaraj - 'Uyirin Uyire', and 'Kalyanam Dhaan Kattitkittu'. "Uyirin Uyire" was popular in the city, the "Kalyanam Dhaan Kattitkittu" became popular across Tamil Nadu.[22]

He sang "Kadhal Valarthen" composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja. He worked with Harris Jayaraj and Yuvan Shankar Raja to produce two blockbusters songs "Kadhalikkum Aasai" and "Ninaithu Ninaithu". "Andankaaka Kondaikaari" composed by Harris Jayaraj was another successful song by KK. He sang "Annanoda Paatu" in the movie Chandramukhi. Other Tamil hit songs by KK are "Pani Thuli", "Olikuchi Udambukari","Lelakku Lelakku Lela".[22]

KK belonged to Thrissur and born in a Malayali family, yet in a career spanning 25 years, KK sang only one Malayalam song "Rahasyamay" from Puthiya Mukham (2009).[23]

Albums

KK at a concert in 2009

In 1999, Sony Music had just been launched in India and they were looking to launch a new artiste. KK was selected as the new artiste and he came out with his debut solo album titled Pal with music composed by Lesle Lewis from the duet Colonial Cousins, who also arranged and produced the album.[2] Pal had a melodious pop rock sound.[23] The songs "Aap Ki Dua", "Yaaron" and the title track "Pal" in no time ruled the lips of youngsters & also the music chart. The songs "Pal" and "Yaaron" became songs commonly used in school farewells.[24] Pal was the first album released by KK under Sony Music for which he got the Screen award as best singer.[25]

On 22 January 2008, KK released his second album Humsafar after a gap of eight years.[26] The songs "Aasman Ke", "Dekho Na", "Yeh Kahan Mil Gaye Hum" and "Rain Bhai Kaari (Maajhi)" are famous songs from this album. Besides, KK had also sung an English Rock Ballad "Cineraria".[19] The title track, "Humsafar" is a mix of English and Hindi lyrics. Eight songs of the album Humsafar were composed by KK.[19]

Television

KK sang many television serial songs, such as Just Mohabbat, Shaka Laka Boom Boom, Kuch Jhuki Si Palkein, Hip Hip Hurray, Kkavyanjali and Just Dance.[27] He appeared on television as a jury member for the talent hunt show Fame Gurukul.[28]

KK sang a song named "Tanha Chala" for the Pakistani TV show The Ghost which was aired on Hum TV in 2008. The song was composed by Farrukh Abid and Shoiab Farrukh, and Momina Duraid wrote the lyrics.[29]

KK participated in the MTV India musical programme Coke Studio.[30] There he sang one qawwali, "Chadta Suraj", along with the Sabri Brothers and a recomposed version of his track "Tu Aashiqui Hai" from the film Jhankaar Beats.[31] He was on the TV show Surili Baat on Aaj Tak channel.[32] He performed in the Sony Mix TV Show[clarification needed] and MTV Unplugged Season 3, aired on MTV 11 January 2014. He was in Dubai for his concert 'Salaam Dubai 2014' in April.[33] He also did concerts in Goa, Dubai, Chennai and Hong Kong.[33][34]

On 29 August 2015, KK appeared in the television singing reality show Indian Idol Junior Season 2. After 10 years, he appeared in a singing reality show as a judge and guest jury member.[35] On 13 September 2015, KK appeared on the TV show Baaton Baaton Mein on Sony Mix.[35]

In 2019, in an interview to Hindustan Times KK said that he was active in the music industry through live performances and playback singing. The live performances in front of the audience made him happy and he did not want to break away from his "commitment to the audience". He always wanted to release a new album since his well received last album was released in 2008.[36]

Pal (Moments)

We may or may not be around, these moments will be remembered.

Moments, these are moments of love, come, come along with me.

Come, what are you thinking, it’s a short life.

If you get tomorrow, that would be good fortune.

– English translation of the song "Pal" performed by KK at the end of his last concert, [10]

Death

On 31 May 2022, KK performed a live music concert at a fest of Gurudas College at Nazrul Mancha auditorium, in South Kolkata.[37]After the concert,He returned to his hotel in Esplanade.He complained of feeling unwell soon after his performance on the way back to his hotel, where he suffered in cardiac arrest.He collapsed after which he was rushed to Calcutta Medical Research Institute (CMRI) at around 10:30 pm, where he was declared dead. [38][39] Efforts to revive him at the hotel were unsuccessful,[40] and he was subsequently taken to hospital where he was declared dead on arrival. He was 53 years old at the time of his death.[41]

On 1 June 2022, Kolkata Police registered a case of unnatural death to investigate the causes.[42][43] His autopsy was videographed. Autopsy report mentioned myocardial infarction (heart attack) as the likely cause of death.[44] Report ruled out any foul play in his death. According to the doctor who conducted the autopsy, KK could have survived if he had received cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately after falling unconscious.[45] He was having pain in his shoulder and arm in his last few days and had informed his wife about his condition. He mistook the pain's cause as digestive issues and was consuming antacids; on his last day, he again complained of pain. According to the autopsy report, his heart had 80% blockage.[46]

Funeral

KK was given a gun salute by the West Bengal government.[47] He received condolences from the film and music industry and politicians.[48] His mortal remains was then brought to Mumbai[48] 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.[49]

Newspaper Deccan Herald called him the "voice of love" while reporting his death.[50] According to The Times of India, he was the most versatile singer in the bollywood music industry.[51] Newspaper The Hindu noted, "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".[31]

Albums and discography

Main article: List of songs recorded by KK
Year Album(s) Music director
Solo
1999 Pal Lesle Lewis[24]
2008 Humsafar KK[19]
Compilations
2002 Humraaz Himesh Reshammiya[52]
2011 Soulful Voice KK Various[53]
2014 #Now Playing: KK Hits Various[54]
2013 KK: Best Of Me Various[55]
2015 Musical Bond: Pritam & KK Pritam Chakraborty[56]

Awards and honors

In an interview to the Hindustan Times KK was asked if getting nominated for several awards but winning only a few bothered him. KK replied it did not bothered him. He added, "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." and laughed.[57]

Hindi cinema

Filmfare Awards
2000 Best Male Playback Singer "Tadap Tadap" (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam)[58] Nominated
2003 "Bardaasht Nahi Kar Sakta" (Humraaz)[59]
2006 "Dus Bahane" (Dus)[60]
2008 "Aankhon Mein Teri" (Om Shanti Om)[60]
2009 "Zara Sa" (Jannat)[60]
"Khuda Jane" (Bachna Ae Haseeno)[61]
Screen Awards
2007 Best Playback Singer – Male "Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai" (Gangster)[60] Nominated
2009 Best Playback Singer – Male "Khuda Jaane" (Bachna Ae Haseeno)[20] Won
Zee Cine Awards
2007 Best Playback Singer – Male "Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai" (Gangster)[60] Nominated
2011 Best Playback Singer – Male "Zindagi Do Pal KI" (Kites)[62] Nominated
IIFA Awards
2000 Best Playback Singer – Male "Tadap Tadap" (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam)[60] Nominated
2004 Best Playback Singer – Male "Tu Aashiqui Hai" (Jhankaar Beats)[60]
2006 Best Playback Singer – Male "Dus Bahane" (Dus)[60]
2007 Best Playback Singer – Male "Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai" (Gangster)[60]
2008 Best Playback Singer – Male "Aankhon Mein Teri" (Om Shanti Om)[60]
2009 Best Playback Singer – Male "Khuda Jaane" (Bachna Ae Haseeno)[60]
Guild Film Awards
2008 Best Playback Singer – Male "Aankhon Mein Teri" (Om Shanti Om)[60] Nominated
2009 Best Playback Singer – Male "Khuda Jane" (Bachna Ae Haseeno)[60]
2011 Best Playback Singer – Male "Sajde" (Khatta Meetha)[63]
GiMA Awards
2011 Best Playback Singer – Male "Zindagi Do Pal Ki" (Kites)[64] Nominated

References

  1. ^ "The right note". The Hindu. 9 December 2006. Retrieved 2 October 2017.
  2. ^ a b c "KK, Prominent Indian Singer, Dies at 53". Billboard. 31 May 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  3. ^ R, Balaji (6 June 2005). "The KK factor". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 5 November 2012.
  4. ^ a b "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.
  5. ^ "KK". saavn.com. Retrieved 15 December 2017.
  6. ^ "KK Profile". In.com. Archived from the original on 11 May 2009. Retrieved 30 August 2009.
  7. ^ a b c "Sensational Singer KK to Perform Live in City on Nov 23". Daijiworld.com. 22 November 2006.
  8. ^ a b Vijayakar, Rajiv (18 February 2008). "High Pitch". Screen.
  9. ^ "KK's family reaches Kolkata, autopsy to be conducted today". India Today. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  10. ^ a b 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.
  11. ^ "Selling Typewriters To Sing: Friend Remembers KK's Days Of Struggle". NDTV.com. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  12. ^ "KK: Facts about the singer we bet you don't know". The Times of India. 20 August 2015. Retrieved 17 February 2020.
  13. ^ BHATTACHARYA, ROSHMILA (3 June 2022). "What Made KK EXCEPTIONAL". Rediff. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  14. ^ "KK Interview with Bollywood Hungama". Bollywood Hungama. 15 April 2015. Archived from the original on 19 April 2015.
  15. ^ 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.
  16. ^ "Never wanted to be stuck with an actor's voice: KK". The Indian Express. 29 July 2015. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  17. ^ a b "It takes three to tango". The Hindu. 13 March 2007. Archived from the original on 14 March 2007.
  18. ^ "KK, the Soulful Voice Behind Heartbreaking Hits Like Chhod Aaye Hum and Tadap Tadap, No More". News18. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  19. ^ a b c d "KK turns composer with Humsafar". Sify Movies. 27 January 2008. Archived from the original on 2 February 2013.
  20. ^ a b "Winners of the Star Screen Awards". PINKVILLA. 15 January 2009. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  21. ^ "Veteran lyricist Gulzar, KK reunite for a song in Srijit Mukherji's film 'Sherdil'". The Economic Times. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  22. ^ a b c "Check Out KK's Evergreen Tamil Hits, From 'Uyirin Uyire' To 'Appadi Podu'". Outlook. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  23. ^ a b Praveen, S. R. (1 June 2022). "Singer KK, a rare Malayali singer who made it big in Bollywood". The Hindu. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  24. ^ a b 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.
  25. ^ "8th Annual Star Screen Awards 1999". Screen India. Archived from the original on 24 June 2009. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
  26. ^ "Star-studded music launches are back". Screen India. 5 February 2008.
  27. ^ 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.
  28. ^ "Composing music is an extension of my being: KK". Sify movies. 24 February 2008. Archived from the original on 2 February 2013.
  29. ^ Listen to OST Tanha Chala Song by K.K. on Gaana.com, retrieved 1 June 2022
  30. ^ "Tu Aashiqui Hai - KK Coke Studio @ MTV Season 1". YouTube. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  31. ^ a b Kumar, Anuj (1 June 2022). "Singer KK, a voice that regaled swooning hearts and jilted lovers alike". The Hindu. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  32. ^ "KK Death: ...जब केके ने आजतक पर अपनी सुरीली आवाज से बांधा था 'सुरों का समां'". आज तक (in Hindi). Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  33. ^ a b "KK, Monali Thakur and Arijit Singh rock Dubai". en-maktoob.entertainment.yahoo.com. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  34. ^ "KK Live in Hong Kong". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  35. ^ a b "KK plans first world tour as his career clocks 20". The Statesman. 25 November 2015. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  36. ^ "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.
  37. ^ "Singer KK Filmed Rushing From Concert, Died On Way To Hospital". NDTV.com. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  38. ^ "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.
  39. ^ Singh, Shiv Sahay (31 May 2022). "Singer KK dies in Kolkata". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
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  41. ^ "Bollywood playback singer KK passes away while performing at a concert". DNA India. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  42. ^ "Singer KK's Death Updates: Kolkata Police Registers Unnatural Death Case". NDTV.com. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  43. ^ "Singer KK's demise: Kolkata Police registers unnatural death case". The Hindu. 1 June 2022. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  44. ^ "Singer KK May Have Had A Heart Disease: Sources". NDTV.com. 2 June 2022. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  45. ^ "Singer KK could have been saved if CPR was given on time: Doctor". The Hindu. 2 June 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  46. ^ Jha, Shefali (3 June 2022). "KK's net worth: Singer leaves behind a fortune, luxury cars and properties [details inside]". Ibtimes. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  47. ^ "At Singer KK's Cremation In Mumbai, Shocked Film Industry Pays Tribute". NDTV.com. 2 June 2022. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  48. ^ a b "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.
  49. ^ "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.
  50. ^ "RIP KK: The top songs by the 'Voice of Love'". Deccan Herald. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  51. ^ "KK dies at 53: A look back at the musical journey of Bollywood's most versatile singer - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  52. ^ "'Ghosts came everytime Jhalak Dikhlaja was played': Himesh Reshammiya picks his 9 favourite songs". The Indian Express. 23 July 2021. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
  53. ^ "Soulful Voice K K by KK". 3 March 2011. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  54. ^ #NowPlaying: KK Hits, Spotify, 17 July 2014, retrieved 1 June 2022
  55. ^ "KK: Best Of Me". Spotify. 27 April 2015.
  56. ^ "Musical Bond: Pritam & KK". 28 May 2015. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  57. ^ "I am happy not getting awards: KK". Hindustan Times. 1 July 2016. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
  58. ^ IndiaFM News Bureau. "The 45th Filmfare Awards 2000 Nominations". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 19 November 2000. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
  59. ^ "Humraaz : Awards and Nominations". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 29 May 2009. Retrieved 17 September 2011.
  60. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m "K K : Awards & Nominations". 26 June 2009. Archived from the original on 26 June 2009. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  61. ^ 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.
  62. ^ "Nominations: Zee Cine Awards 2011". NDTV.com. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
  63. ^ "Nominations for 6th Apsara Film & Television Producers Guild Awards". Bollywood Hungama. Archived from the original on 9 January 2011. Retrieved 7 January 2011.
  64. ^ "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.

External links

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