According to the city’s CMRI hospital, Indian singer Krishnakumar Kunnath, better known by his stage as KK, died Tuesday night in Kolkata.
The famed 53-year-old singer sang at a concert in Nazrul Mancha, a venue of the Sir Gurudas Mahavidyalaya college in Kolkata, just hours before his death on May 31.
Kunnath’s work as a playback singer (a vocalist who performs songs that have been pre-recorded for use in films) made him famous in India and the diaspora, as he contributed his voice to hundreds of Bollywood films. After the release of his first solo album, “Pal,” in 1999, he became a household name.
As soon as news of his death came, tributes to the late artist flooded social media, including one from India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Saddened by the untimely demise of noted singer Krishnakumar Kunnath popularly known as KK. His songs reflected a wide range of emotions as 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 ,” Modi stated the following.
In a tweet, Indian actor Akshay Kumar wrote, “Extremely sad and shocked to know of the sad demise of KK. What a loss! Om Shanti.”
“Why so early, KK, why? But you have left behind a treasure of a playlist. Very difficult night. Om Shanti. Artists like KK never die “According to Agnihotri.
Kunnath made his debut in Bollywood with the song “Tadap Tadap Ke” from the film “Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.”
“Sach Keh Raha Hai” from the film “Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein” and “Mangalyam” from the film “Saathiya” are two of his other well-known songs.
Kunnath was born in New Delhi in August 1968 and graduated from Delhi University’s Kirori Mal College before beginning his career as a singer for commercial jingles, according to report.