KK (singer)

Indian playback singer (1968–2022)

For other musicians called KK, see KK (disambiguation).

KK performing at the Jockey Club Auditorium in Hong Kong, 2012

Born|

Krishnakumar Kunnath

(1968-08-23)23 August 1968

Delhi, India

Died| 31 May 2022(2022-05-31) (aged 53)

Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Alma mater| Kirori Mal College (University of Delhi)
Occupation| Playback singer
Years active| 1994–2022
Spouse|

Jyothy Krishna

(m. 1991)​

Children| 2
Musical career
Genres|

* Indian pop
* Bollywood music

Musical artist

Krishnakumar Kunnath (23 August 1968 – 31 May 2022), popularly known as KK, was an Indian playback singer. He recorded songs primarily in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu and Kannada. Noted for his versatility in a variety of music genres,[1] KK is regarded among the greatest playback singers of India.[2] He was a recipient of two Screen Awards, along with nominations for six Filmfare Awards.[3]

KK began his career by singing advertising jingles and made his film debut in 1996 with a song in Maachis. KK released his debut album, Pal in 1999. The songs "Pal" and "Yaaron" from the album became popular, and are used in school graduations. The album turned out to be his career breakthrough. The song "Tadap Tadap Ke" from the 1999 film Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, earned him his first Filmfare Award for Best Male Playback Singer nomination.

KK went onto establish himself as one of the leading singers of the 2000s with successful songs in various languages. His most popular songs include — "Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe" from Dil Chahta Hai (2001), "O Humdum Suniyo Re" from Saathiya (2002), "Dola Re Dola" from Devdas (2002), "Uyirin Uyirae" from Kaaka Kaaka (2003), "Apadi Podu" from Ghilli (2004), "Dus Bahane" from Dus (2005), "Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai" from Woh Lamhe... (2006), "Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai" from Gangster: A Love Story (2006), "Aankhon Mein Teri" from Om Shanti Om (2007), "Khuda Jane" from Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008), "Zara Sa" from Jannat (2008), "Sajde" from Khatta Meetha (2010), "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).[4]

KK was popularly known as "The Mesmerizer", for his romantic songs.[5] KK received the Screen Awards for Best Singer – Male (non-film music) for his song "Pal" and Best Playback Singer – Male for "Khuda Jaane", from the film Bachna Ae Haseeno.[6][7]

## Early life and work

[edit]

Born in Delhi on 23 August 1968 to Malayali parents, his mother, Kanakavalli of the Kunnath house and father, C. S. Menon. Krishnakumar grew up in New Delhi.[8] He got his family name, Kunnath, through matrilineal succession. He sang 3,500 jingles before breaking into Bollywood.[9]

Kunnath attended Delhi's Mount St Mary's School,[9] and Kirori Mal College,[10] Delhi University. He appeared in the song "Josh of India", released to support the Indian national team during the 1999 Cricket World Cup.[11]

After receiving a degree in commerce from Kirori Mal College, Kunnath spent six months as a marketing executive before pursuing his love of music. He struggled to establish himself in the competitive recording industry, singing at hotels to make ends meet. Kunnath moved to Mumbai in 1994.[12][13]

## Career

[edit]

### Playback singing

[edit]

In 1994, KK gave a demo tape to Louis Banks, Ranjit Barot and Lesle Lewis. He was called by UTV, and sang a jingle for a Santogen Suiting ad.[14] In a four-year period, KK sang over 3,500 jingles in 11 languages. He considered Lesle Lewis his mentor for giving him his first jingle to sing in Mumbai.[12] KK then became a playback singer, beginning with A. R. Rahman's "Kalluri Saaley" and "Hello Dr." from Kadir's Kadhal Desam and "Strawberry Kannae" from AVM Productions's 1997 musical film, Minsara Kanavu.[15]

#### Hindi

[edit]

KK made his Bollywood debut with the song "Tadap Tadap Ke Is Dil Se" in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999).[15] Before this song, however, he had sung parts of "Chhod Aaye Hum" in Gulzar's Maachis (1996).[16] KK considered "Tadap Tadap Ke Is Dil Se" the turning point of his career.[17] Other popular songs included "Dola Re Dola" in Devdas (2002), "Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai" in Woh Lamhe... (2006), "Aankhon Mein Teri" in Om Shanti Om (2007), "Khuda Jane" in Bachna Ae Haseeno (2008), "Piya Aaye Na" in Aashiqui 2 (2013), "Mat Aazma Re" in Murder 3 (2013), "India Wale" in Happy New Year (2014) and "Tu Jo Mila" from Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015).[4]

KK received six Filmfare Awards nominations. He received the 2009 Screen Awards Best Playback Singer – Male award for "Khuda Jaane", from the film Bachna Ae Haseeno.[18] In 2022, KK worked with filmmaker Srijit Mukherji and lyricist Gulzar on a song for Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga.[19] The song, "Dhoop Paani Bahne De", was the first song released since his death.[20]

#### Tamil

[edit]

KK sang popular songs in several languages, including Tamil. According to Outlook, his songs defined Tamil film music during the 2000s and became part of Tamil culture. In 2004, KK's Tamil song "Appadi Podu" became popular across India and was played at clubs and weddings. He worked with A. R. Rahman on "Strawberry Kanne", a popular song, in 1997.[21]

He had a decade of hit songs during the 2000s. KK sang "Love Pannu" for Harris Jayaraj in 2001, followed by "Kadhal Oru Thani Katchi" and "Gundu Gundu Ponne". In 2003, he had two hits composed by Harris Jayaraj: "Uyirin Uyire" and "Kalyanam Dhaan Kattitkittu". "Uyirin Uyire" was popular in cities, and "Kalyanam Dhaan Kattitkittu" became popular across Tamil Nadu.[21]

KK sang "Kadhal Valarthen", composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja. He worked with Harris Jayaraj and Yuvan Shankar Raja to produce two hit songs: "Kadhalikkum Aasai" and "Ninaithu Ninaithu". "Andankaaka Kondaikaari", composed by Harris Jayaraj, was another successful song. KK sang "Annanoda Paatu" in the film Chandramukhi. Other Tamil hit songs by were "Pani Thuli", "Olikuchi Udambukari", and "Lelakku Lelakku Lela".[21] Despite his birth to a Malayali family in Thrissur, KK sang only one Malayalam song in his 25-year career: "Rahasyamay" in Puthiya Mukham (2009).[22]

### Albums

[edit]

KK at a concert in 2009

In 1999, Sony Music had been launched in India and wanted to introduce a new artist. KK was selected, and released his debut solo album: Pal, with music by Lesle Lewis of the duo Colonial Cousins (who also arranged and produced the album).[4] Pal was a pop rock album.[22] and the songs "Aap Ki Dua", "Yaaron" and the title track, "Pal" were popular with audiences and on the music charts; "Pal" and "Yaaron" are frequently played at school farewells.[23] KK received the 1999 Screen Award for Best Singer - Male (non-film music) for the album.[24]

He released his next album, Humsafar, on 22 January 2008.[25] Humsafar featured "Aasman Ke", "Dekho Na", "Yeh Kahan Mil Gaye Hum", "Rain Bhai Kaari (Maajhi)", and the English-language ballad "Cineraria".[17] The lyrics of its title track are a mixture of English and Hindi, and eight songs on the album were composed by KK.[17]

### Television

[edit]

He sang many songs for television serials, including Just Mohabbat, Shaka Laka Boom Boom, Kuch Jhuki Si Palkein, Hip Hip Hurray, Kkavyanjali and Just Dance.[26] KK was a jury member on the talent-hunt show, Fame Gurukul.[27]

He sang "Tanha Chala" on the Pakistani TV show The Ghost, which aired on Hum TV in 2008. The song was composed by Farrukh Abid and Shoaib Farrukh, with lyrics by Momina Duraid.[28]

KK appeared on the MTV India musical programme Coke Studio,[29] singing the qawwali "Chadta Suraj" with the Sabri Brothers and a reprise of "Tu Aashiqui Hai" from Jhankaar Beats.[30] He appeared on Surili Baat, on the Aaj Tak channel.[31] KK performed on Sony Mix and MTV Unplugged, which aired on MTV on 11 January 2014. He presented his Salaam Dubai 2014 concert in Dubai in April 2014,[32] and performed in concert in Goa, Dubai, Chennai and Hong Kong.[32][33]

On 29 August 2015, KK appeared in season two of the television singing-reality show Indian Idol Junior as a judge and guest jury member.[34] On 13 September of that year, he appeared on the Sony Mix show Baaton Baaton Mein.[34] In a 2019 Hindustan Times interview, KK said that he was active in the music industry with live performances and playback singing. Live performances made him happy; he did not want to abandon his "commitment to the audience", and wanted to release a new album after the 2008 success of his second album.[35]

## Personal life

[edit]

KK married Jyothy Krishna in 1991.[12] His son, Nakul Krishna Kunnath, sang "Masti" (from his album, Humsafar) with him.[14] KK also has a daughter, named Taamara Krishna Kunnath.[36]

## Artistry

[edit]

### Vocals and musical style

[edit]

KK had no formal musical training.[37] 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."[38]

KK believed that it was unimportant for a singer's face to be seen, but "a singer must be heard".[39] In a 2019 interview, he said that he felt comfortable with a microphone but awkward in front of a camera. KK valued and "fiercely" protected his privacy.[40] He did not want his singing to be associated with a particular actor and preferred singing for a number of actors.[41] He is widely regarded as a highly versatile singer.[42] Elaborating on his singing style, Ilina Acharya of Film Companion noted: "KK's smooth, honey-textured voice flowed like water. It could project any tone and tenor. He could mould his pitch to reach and resonate with the ups and downs of the human experience."[43]

### Inspiration

[edit]

KK has often termed legendary singer Kishore Kumar as his inspiration. On not taking any formal training, KK stated his idol as one of the reason and added, "From the beginning, I was able to learn a song by just hearing it, it is something that I’ve been blessed with. I later learned that Kishoreda had never learned music, so I had even more reasons to not go to a music class."[44] Sneha Bengani from CNBC TV18 compared him to his inspiration and noted, "Much like Kumar’s, KK’s songs are standalone entities too, larger than the films or the albums they belong to."[45]

## Impact and recognition

[edit]

KK at an event in 2012

KK is described in the media as one of the most popular and versatile singers of Indian cinema.[2][46][47] S. R. Praveen termed him a "rare Malayali singer" who made it big in Bollywood.[48] India TV placed him in its "Top 10 Bollywood Singers" of all time list.[49] KK was placed 30th in Google's "Top 100 Most Searched Asians" list of 2022.[50] A total of nine songs of KK were placed in BBC's "Top 40 Bollywood Soundtracks of all time" list.[51] KK's work has received praises from several artists. Arijit Singh considered KK as his favourite singer and mentor. In 2023, Singh gave a tribute to him and sang his song "Dil Ibadat" in one of his concert.[52] Calling him a "path-breaking singer", Abhijeet Bhattacharya added, "KK was a trendsetting singer, which still continues. He was the last playback singer we had… those who came after him, I don’t count them as playback singers. His songs were written for the screen and heroes."[53] Anupam Roy called KK his idol and added that he was a "livewire performer", who drew his energy from the crowd.[54]

Shaan praised KK's work ethics and added, "We had some of our best times while recording songs together or while performing on stage. KK was very disciplined. He’d be on time and his preparation – for a song recording or stage show – was always on point. We did some great duets together."[55][56] Sunidhi Chauhan called him her favourite and added, "I used to go insane with KK on stage and I will never forget the few shows we have done together. I am personally a fan of KK, so much so that I would love to be a little bit of KK."[57] A. R. Rahman,[58] Richa Sharma,[59] Amit Mishra,[60] Usha Uthup,[61] Shreya Ghosal, Sonu Nigam, Vishal Dadlani and Mohit Chauhan have often praised his musical abilities and songs.[62]

Many actors have also termed KK their favourite. Pankaj Tripathi stated, "I have been a huge fan of KK, he is one of my favourite singers. The song that he sang is a very soulful and wonderful track."[63] KK sang several songs for Emraan Hashmi who said, "A voice and talent like no other… They don't make them like him anymore. Working on the songs KK sang was always that much more special."[64]

## Illness and death

[edit]

On 31 May 2022, KK performed a concert at a college festival at Nazrul Mancha in South Kolkata.[65] After the concert, he returned to his hotel in Esplanade. He complained of feeling unwell on the way back to his hotel, where he experienced cardiac arrest. He collapsed, and efforts to revive him at the hotel were unsuccessful.[66] KK was rushed to Calcutta Medical Research Institute (CMRI) at about 10:30 pm, where he was declared dead.[67][68] He was 53 years old.[69]

On 1 June 2022, Kolkata Police registered a case of unnatural death to investigate KK's death.[70][71] His autopsy was videographed; the report cited myocardial infarction (heart attack) as the probable cause of death,[72] ruling out foul play. According to the doctor who conducted the autopsy, KK could have survived if he had received cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately after losing consciousness.[73] He had complained to his wife about pain in his shoulder and arm for several days before his death, thinking it was caused by digestive problems. According to the autopsy report, KK's heart had an 80-percent blockage.[citation needed] Three public interest litigations (PILs) related to the singer's death were registered in the Calcutta High Court.[74]

### Funeral

[edit]

KK was given a gun salute by the West Bengal government at Rabindra Sadan in Kolkata.[75] West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee was present for the salute; film- and music-industry figures and politicians, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, offered their condolences.[76] KK's remains were brought to Mumbai,[76] 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.[77]

## Discography

[edit]

Main article: List of songs recorded by KK

"Pal" ("Moments")

> Whether we are there tomorrow or not,
>  These moments will nevertheless be remembered.
>  Moments - these are moments of love,
>  Come, come along with me.
>  Come, what are you thinking,
>  Life is short
>  If we do get a tomorrow, it would be good fortune.

– English translation of KK's "Pal", the last song at his final concert[78]

Year  | Album(s)  | Music director

|
|

Solo
1999  | Pal | Lesle Lewis[23]
2008  | Humsafar | KK[17]
Compilations
2002  | Humraaz | Himesh Reshammiya[79]
2011  | Soulful Voice KK | Various[80]
2014  | #Now Playing: KK Hits | Various[81]
2013  | KK: Best Of Me | Various[82]
2015  | Musical Bond: Pritam & KK | Pritam Chakraborty[83]

## Filmography

[edit]

### Television

[edit]

Year  | Title  | Role  | Notes  | Ref.

|
|
|
|

2005  | Fame Gurukul | Jury member  |  | [84]
2011  | Coke Studio 1 | Himself  | Episode: 1,7  | [85]
2014  | Surili Baat |  |
2015  | Indian Idol Junior 2 | Judge  | Guest appearance  |
Baaton Baaton Mein | Himself  |  |

## Accolades

[edit]

Main article: List of awards and nominations received by KK

In a Hindustan Times interview, KK was asked if he was bothered by being nominated for a number of awards but seldom winning. He said no: "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."[86]

## Tribute and honours

[edit]

KK's statue installed in 2023, at the place where he gave his last performance

Reporting KK's death, Deccan Herald called him the "voice of love".[87] According to The Times of India, he was Bollywood's most versatile singer.[88] An article in The Hindu said, "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".[30]

In 2023, a statue of KK was installed at Gurudas Mahavidyalaya in Kolkata, the same place where he performed his last concert.[89] Several singers like Arijit Singh, Shaan, Sunidhi Chauhan, Sonu Nigam, Shilpa Rao and others have given a tribute to KK, by singing his songs during their concerts.[90]

On 25 October 2024, Google honoured him with a Google Doodle to celebrate the anniversary of his debut as a playback singer in 1996 when he sang Chhod Aaye Hum in the film Maachis.[91]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "Why KK was the forever voice for the youth". India Today. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 25 September 2022. "By the late 2000s, KK was the de facto voice for tracks with a tinge of rock and blues, his favoured genres."
2. ^ a b "KK: Remembering the voice that touched millions of Indian love stories". BBC News. 7 June 2022. Retrieved 29 December 2022. "KK, whose real name was Krishnakumar Kunnath, was one of India's greatest playback singers."
3. ^ "Fifteen songs by the sensation, KK that will always have a place in our hearts". Filmfare. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 27 November 2022. "One of the biggest singers in Bollywood, KK with his soulful and magnetic voice, created iconic hits that dominated music charts."
4. ^ a b c "KK, Prominent Indian Singer, Dies at 53". Billboard. 31 May 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
5. ^ "KK, Singer of Bollywood Hits, Dies at 53 After a Concert". The New York Times. Retrieved 17 September 2022. "Nicknamed "the Mesmerizer", he recorded hundreds of songs for some of India's biggest movie stars."
6. ^ "Dance Deewane Juniors: Usha Uthup tears up remembering KK, sings his iconic song Pyaar Ke Pal. Watch". Hindustan Times. 10 June 2022. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
7. ^ ANI. "Popular Bollywood singer KK dies at 53". Khaleej Times. Retrieved 11 July 2022.
8. ^ R, Balaji (6 June 2005). "The KK factor". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 5 November 2012.
9. ^ 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.
10. ^ "KK". saavn.com. Retrieved 15 December 2017.
11. ^ "KK Profile". In.com. Archived from the original on 11 May 2009. Retrieved 30 August 2009.
12. ^ a b c "Sensational Singer KK to Perform Live in City on Nov 23". Daijiworld.com. 22 November 2006.
13. ^ "Selling Typewriters To Sing: Friend Remembers KK's Days Of Struggle". NDTV.com. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
14. ^ a b Vijayakar, Rajiv (18 February 2008). "High Pitch". Screen. Archived from the original on 16 May 2007.
15. ^ a b "It takes three to tango". The Hindu. 13 March 2007. Archived from the original on 14 March 2007.
16. ^ "KK, the Soulful Voice Behind Heartbreaking Hits Like Chhod Aaye Hum and Tadap Tadap, No More". News18. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
17. ^ a b c d "KK turns composer with Humsafar". Sify Movies. 27 January 2008. Archived from the original on 2 February 2013.
18. ^ "Winners of the Star Screen Awards". PINKVILLA. 15 January 2009. Archived from the original on 1 June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
19. ^ "Veteran lyricist Gulzar, KK reunite for a song in Srijit Mukherji's film 'Sherdil'". The Economic Times. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
20. ^ "K K : Awards & Nominations". Bollywood Hungama. 26 June 2009. Archived from the original on 26 June 2009. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
21. ^ a b c "Check Out KK's Evergreen Tamil Hits, From 'Uyirin Uyire' To 'Appadi Podu'". Outlook. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
22. ^ 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.
23. ^ 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.
24. ^ "8th Annual Star Screen Awards 1999". Screen India. Archived from the original on 24 June 2009. Retrieved 15 September 2011.
25. ^ "Humsafar by KK: A Timeless Melody That Captivates Hearts - YPBB News". 7 November 2024. Retrieved 7 January 2025.
26. ^ 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.
27. ^ "Composing music is an extension of my being: KK". Sify movies. 24 February 2008. Archived from the original on 2 February 2013.
28. ^ Listen to OST Tanha Chala Song by K.K. on Gaana.com, archived from the original on 31 May 2022, retrieved 1 June 2022
29. ^ "Tu Aashiqui Hai - KK Coke Studio @ MTV Season 1". YouTube. 29 July 2011. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
30. ^ 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.
31. ^ "KK Death: ...जब केके ने आजतक पर अपनी सुरीली आवाज से बांधा था 'सुरों का समां'". आज तक (in Hindi). Retrieved 1 June 2022.
32. ^ a b "KK, Monali Thakur and Arijit Singh rock Dubai". en-maktoob.entertainment.yahoo.com. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
33. ^ "KK Live in Hong Kong". South China Morning Post. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
34. ^ a b "KK plans first world tour as his career clocks 20". The Statesman. 25 November 2015. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
35. ^ "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.
36. ^ "KK's family reaches Kolkata, autopsy to be conducted today". India Today. June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
37. ^ "KK: Facts about the singer we bet you don't know". The Times of India. 20 August 2015. Retrieved 17 February 2020.
38. ^ BHATTACHARYA, ROSHMILA (3 June 2022). "What Made KK EXCEPTIONAL". Rediff. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
39. ^ "KK Interview with Bollywood Hungama". Bollywood Hungama. 15 April 2015. Archived from the original on 19 April 2015.
40. ^ 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.
41. ^ "Never wanted to be stuck with an actor's voice: KK". The Indian Express. 29 July 2015. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
42. ^ "KK Birth Anniversary 2023: A look back at the musical journey of Bollywood's most versatile singer". mid-day entertainment. Retrieved 23 August 2023.
43. ^ "KK felt for his characters, and it showed". Film Companion. 4 August 2022. Archived from the original on 13 February 2023. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
44. ^ "Singer KK, a voice that regaled swooning hearts and jilted lovers alike". The Hindu. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 26 September 2022.
45. ^ "KK was how an entire generation expressed love, hurt, and joy; he was a way of life". CNBC TV18. 2 June 2022. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
46. ^ "Recalling singer KK's top 10 songs through which he will live on forever". GQ India. June 2022. Archived from the original on 10 March 2023. Retrieved 24 August 2022.
47. ^ "KK's stamp of versatility evident in other language songs too. Check these gems". Onmanorma. Archived from the original on 11 January 2023. Retrieved 28 August 2022.
48. ^ Praveen, S. R. (June 2022). "Singer KK, a rare Malayali singer who made it big in Bollywood". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 27 June 2023. Retrieved 21 October 2022.
49. ^ "Top 10 singers of Bollywood of all time". India TV. 24 November 2018. Archived from the original on 14 September 2022. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
50. ^ "Google Top 100 Most Searched Asians Full List: Sidhu Moose Wala at 3, Lata Mangeshkar at 5". India Today. 29 June 2022. Archived from the original on 15 July 2022. Retrieved 26 October 2022.
51. ^ "100 Greatest Bollywood Song of All Time". BBC. 27 May 2014. Archived from the original on 12 November 2020. Retrieved 24 January 2021.
52. ^ "Arijit Singh pays tribute to his mentor KK, leaves fans teary-eyed". Times of India. 17 April 2023. Retrieved 21 September 2023.
53. ^ "Abhijeet Bhattacharya on KK: He was the last playback singer we had whose style was copied by many". Times of India. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 24 September 2023.
54. ^ "KK sounded like nobody else, he explained our times best: Anupam Roy". Indian Express. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 25 September 2023.
55. ^ "Shaan celebrates friend KK: I can't believe it's been a year since he left us". Hindustan Times. 31 May 2023. Retrieved 16 November 2023.
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57. ^ "Sunidhi Chauhan talks about music, being a KK fan and love for Kolkata food". The Telegraph. 5 February 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
58. ^ "A R Rahman talks about K K, reveals his favourite track of the late singer". Bollywood Hungama. 5 June 2022. Archived from the original on 17 February 2023. Retrieved 10 October 2022.
59. ^ Handoo, Ritika (16 January 2015). "Arijit Singh is very talented: Singer Richa Sharma". Zee News. Archived from the original on 26 September 2015. Retrieved 3 December 2015.
60. ^ "In conversation with Amit Mishra!". The Score Magazine. 16 November 2016. Archived from the original on 11 September 2016. Retrieved 13 December 2017.
61. ^ "I love to hear KK: Usha Uthup". Times of India. 9 May 2012. Archived from the original on 29 September 2018. Retrieved 21 November 2016.
62. ^ "From Sonu Nigam to Shreya Ghoshal, Indian music industry mourns demise of singer KK". The Print. 1 June 2022. Archived from the original on 19 January 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2022.
63. ^ "Pankaj Tripathi calls KK his favourite singer: My wish of meeting him remains unfulfilled". Indian Express. 13 June 2022. Retrieved 23 February 2023.
64. ^ "Emraan Hashmi pays tribute to KK, Fans hail 'Legendary Duo', say actor lost his voice in reel life". News18. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2023.
65. ^ "Singer KK Filmed Rushing From Concert, Died On Way To Hospital". NDTV.com. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
66. ^ "PM Narendra Modi, Akshay Kumar, Karan Johar among others offer condolences to singer KK who passed away at 53". TimesNow. June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
67. ^ "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.
68. ^ Singh, Shiv Sahay (31 May 2022). "Singer KK dies in Kolkata". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
69. ^ "Bollywood playback singer KK passes away while performing at a concert". DNA India. Retrieved 31 May 2022.
70. ^ "Singer KK's Death Updates: Kolkata Police Registers Unnatural Death Case". NDTV.com. 1 June 2022. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
71. ^ "Singer KK's demise: Kolkata Police registers unnatural death case". The Hindu. 1 June 2022. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 1 June 2022.
72. ^ "Singer KK May Have Had A Heart Disease: Sources". NDTV.com. 2 June 2022. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
73. ^ "Singer KK could have been saved if CPR was given on time: Doctor". The Hindu. 2 June 2022. Retrieved 3 June 2022.
74. ^ "KK death: Three cases filed in Calcutta HC demanding CBI probe". Free Press Journal. Retrieved 13 June 2022.
75. ^ "At Singer KK's Cremation In Mumbai, Shocked Film Industry Pays Tribute". NDTV.com. 2 June 2022. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
76. ^ 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.
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## External links

[edit]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Krishnakumar Kunnath.

* KK on Twitter
* KK at IMDb
* KK discography at Discogs

* v
* t
* e

Screen Award for Best Male Playback Singer

1995-2000|

* Kumar Sanu (1995)
* Hariharan (1996)
* Udit Narayan (1997)
* Abhijeet Bhattacharya (1998)
* Sukhwinder Singh (1999)
* Sukhwinder Singh (2000)

2001-present|

* Lucky Ali (2001)
* Sonu Nigam (2002)
* Udit Narayan (2003)
* Kailash Kher (2004)
* Sonu Nigam (2005)
* Sonu Nigam (2006)
* Shaan (2007)
* Soham Chakrabarty (2008)
* KK (2009)
* Rahat Fateh Ali Khan (2010)
* Rahat Fateh Ali Khan (2011)
* Mohit Chauhan (2012)
* Javed Ali (2013)
* Arijit Singh (2014)
* Arijit Singh (2015)
* Papon (2016)
* Amit Mishra (2017)
* Arijit Singh (2018)
* Arijit Singh (2019)
* Sachet Tandon (2020)

Authority control databases

International|

* ISNI
* VIAF
* WorldCat

National|

* United States

Artists|

* MusicBrainz

*[m.]: married
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