Why was KK special? His journey from Delhi to Bollywood

Ham rahe ya na rahe kal, kal yaad aayenge pal, the song from Krisnakumar Kunnath, popularly known as KK is from his famous album Pal. The song that helped him shoot to fame will now also be remembered as the last song KK sang. The popular, much-loved Bollywood playback singer sang his song Pal at a concert in Kolkata on May 31.

Within a little while, he was dead.

KK was performing at the Nazrul Mancha auditorium in Gol Park, Kolkata. While performing, he was sweating profusely, videos that have gone viral since his death show. KK rushed out of Nazrul Mancha visibly uncomfortable and he complained of uneasiness. He went to the Oberoi Grand, the hotel he was staying at. From there he was rushed to the hospital, where he was declared brought dead.

Celebrities from all over the country reacted to his untimely demise. From PM Narendra Modi to West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee, all expressed their condolences and shock at the singer's sudden death. The West Bengal CM also spoke to KK's wife Jyothi Krishna on phone. The family was in Kolkata to take KK's mortal remains back to Mumbai, where he lived.

THE CHARM OF KK

There was a connect which KK developed with the youth of this country. This bond was unmatched. Coming from an era dominated by the Sonu Nigams and Abhijeet Bhattacharyas, KK was the only singer who remained relevant in today's times. KK sang the song Yeh Hausle in the movie 83, which was released last year.

Even in the era of Atif Aslam and Arijit Singh, KK found a place for himself. From Bajrangi Bhaijaan to Chichhore, and finally, 83, KK's voice was a part of all popular movies.

For the heartbreaks, his Tadap Tadap from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999) was a soother. For the party freaks, Dus Bahane from Dus (2006) and Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe from Dil Chahta Hai (2004) were the perfect dance numbers.

For the lovebirds, songs like Zara Si Dil Mein and Haan Tu Hai from Jannat (2008) are melody to the ears. For inspiration, listen to Aashayein from Iqbal (2006).

KK was an industry in himself. He kept his life private. It was through his voice that he connected with people and his innumerable fans.

“Life is not how you plan it,” KK once said in an interview. And that is exactly what happened with his life too.

KK’s journey from Delhi to Mumbai was also because of recognition of his talent by the people he came across.

THE DISCOVERY OF SINGER KK

The first job KK had was of a salesperson. He called it the experience of a lifetime. “My job is what made me what I am today,” KK said in an interview. He left the job soon after he couldn’t find the passion to do it anymore. He wanted to do something in music.

His wife Jyothi Krishna, who was also his childhood sweetheart, supported him in this. KK got into making jingles on keyboards with his friends and also started earning money from it. But the thought of shifting to Mumbai had never crossed his mind.

Until one fine day.

MUMBAI BECKONS

KK was once performing at a rooftop concert in Delhi in 1989, when singer Hari Haran spotted him. KK was a last-moment replacement for Hari Haran's friend, who had fallen ill. Hari Haran spotted KK and called him. When an ecstatic KK went to shake Hari Haran's hand, the latter appreciated his singing. He said, “Tu yahan kya kar raha hai (What are you doing here)?”

Hari Haran advised him to move his base to Mumbai as that was his real place. KK agreed, but couldn’t move immediately as he was doing well producing jingles. But deep inside, he also wanted to make it big in life. 

In 1994, he finally moved to Mumbai with his wife.

FINDING LESLE LEWIS

KK went to Mumbai and met Hari Haran, who later introduced him to Lesle Lewis. Lesle liked the voice of KK and together they made jingles. Lesle is also the man who KK owed his career to. For the next 4-5 years, KK made jingles in Mumbai and in 1999 came his album Pal.

A MAGICAL PAL FOR KK  

In 1999, KK made his singing debut with the album Pal, which made him a rage among the youth. The same year, his song Tadap Tadap Ke from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam was a massive success. It was also his first Bollywood playback song.

THE YEARS OF GLORY

KK never looked back after 1999. He recorded several popular songs with music directors like AR Rahman, Pritam, Himesh Reshammiya and Anu Malik. His song Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai from Gangster (2004) was a huge hit. Similarly, his songs O Meri Jaan and Alvida from Life In A Metro (2007), Aankhon Mein Teri from Om Shanti Om (2007), Khuda Jaane from Bacchna Ae Haseeno (2008) and Zindagi Do Pal Ki from Kites (2010) were huge hits.

For Khuda Jaane, he also won a Filmfare Best Playback Singer award.

KK was accorded a gun salute by the West Bengal government. His mortal remains will be flown from Kolkata to Mumbai, where his last rites will be conducted.