Krishnakumar Kunnath (born 23 August 1968 – 31 May 2022) was born in Delhi, India. He is an Indian playback singer who left an indelible mark on the music industry. He is professionally known as KK. his captivating vocals graced numerous Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Bengali, Assamese, and Gujarati songs. KK embarked on his musical journey by lending his voice to catchy advertising jingles before making his debut in the world of cinema in 1996, collaborating with the legendary A.R. Rahman on a mesmerizing soundtrack.
In 1999, he launched his first solo album titled "Pal," which soon became a sensation. The songs "Pal" and "Yaaron" from this album resonated deeply with audiences and became anthems at school graduations, captivating hearts with their profound lyrics and soulful melodies. KK's melodious voice left an indelible imprint on a multitude of chart-topping hits over the years.
Some of his most memorable tracks include "Tadap Tadap Ke Is Dil Se" from the film "Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam" (1999), the Tamil sensation "Apadi Podu," and the enchanting "Dola Re Dola" from "Devdas" (2002). His versatility shone through with each performance, as demonstrated in heartfelt ballads like "Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai" from "Woh Lamhe..." (2006) and the soul-stirring "Aankhon Mein Teri" from "Om Shanti Om" (2007).
KK's exceptional talent garnered critical acclaim and accolades. In 2009, he was honored with the prestigious Best Playback Singer - Male Screen Award for his soulful rendition of "Khuda Jaane" from the movie "Bachna Ae Haseeno." His contributions to the music industry earned him six Filmfare Awards nominations, a testament to his enduring impact.
Tragically, on May 31, 2022, immediately after performing at a college festival in South Kolkata, KK fell critically ill. As he made his way back to his hotel in Esplanade, he complained of feeling unwell and suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. Despite valiant efforts to revive him at the hotel, the medical team was unable to resuscitate him. KK was promptly rushed to the Calcutta Medical Research Institute (CMRI), where he was pronounced dead at the age of 53, leaving behind a void in the hearts of countless music lovers worldwide.
KK's velvety voice and his ability to touch emotions through his music will forever be cherished as his extraordinary legacy. He will be remembered as an exceptional artist who enriched the tapestry of Indian music with his remarkable talent and passion, leaving an indelible mark that continues to resonate with fans even after his untimely departure.
