Mangaluru: Music lovers were shocked to learn of the sudden demise of playback singer Krishnakumar Kunnath (53), also called as KK, on the night of Tuesday May 31.
KK was in Kolkata to perform at a function in Nazrul Manch organised by the Gurudas College. It has been reported that KK was unwell during his performance. After returning to his hotel, the singer began to feel unwell, and he was rushed to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Born a Malayali, KK never shied away from singing in languages he was unfamiliar with, such as Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Marathi, Bengali, Hindi and Gujarati. Though he has never received any formal music training, he won millions of hearts worldwide through his songs.
#RIPKK is currently trending in second place on Twitter, with many fans expressing their grief over his untimely demise. Politicians, actors, singers, filmmakers, and fans of his music expressed their condolences on Twitter.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on Twitter, “Saddened by the untimely demise of noted singer Krishnakumar Kunnath, popularly known as KK. His songs reflected a wide range of emotions that 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.”
Home Minister Amit Shah called him a very talented and versatile singer. “His untimely demise is very saddening and a huge loss to Indian music. With his gifted voice, he has left an indelible impression on the minds of countless music lovers. My deepest condolences to his family and fans. Om Shanti Shanti,” he tweeted.
Academy Award-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty said that it was difficult for him to process this news. “Memories of our good old #mtv days … voice of love is gone … strength to the family … #RIPKK,” he added.
Another user stated, “The voice of love is gone,” and “Absolutely saddened by the passing away of KK. What a lovely singer he was! Sang every composition optimally, which made us hum his songs long after hearing them. Aankhon mein teri ajab si ajab si adaa hai.”
Many called him the most loved singer of the 90s generation.
Another tweeter user wrote;
“Celebrated friendship with Yaaron dosti..
Cried with Maine dil se kaha..
Fell in love with tu hi meri shab hai..
Nursed broken heart with tadap tadap..
Admired with Aankhon mein teri..
Danced with Ab to forever.
Will remember KK with Hum rahein ya na rahein yaad aayenge yeh pal.”
“Extremely sad and shocked to know of the sad demise of KK. What a loss! Om Shanti,” noted actor Akshay Kumar.
Arman Malik said that it is black year for Indian music. “Lata didi, bappi da, sidhu paaji and now KK sir. These losses.. all of them feel so personal.”
