Remembering KK on his birth anniversary: a tribute to the legendary singer by going down memory lane
Krishnakumar Kunnath, also known as ‘KK’ by his fans, passed away in May of this year. Many hearts cried on his demise, and it’s still hard for all of us to believe that there will be no more KK songs.
KK was among India’s best playback singers. He wasn’t as popular as the heroes like Salman, Shah Rukh, and Ranbir, who lip-synched his songs on screen. From Aankhon ki Gustakhiyan Maaf ho to Bachna ae Haseeno, the evergreen songs which you all hum as you listen to them have been sung by KK.
On the birth anniversary of the legendary singer, let’s talk about some of the memorable moments associated with him.
An ace singer with no musical training
Do you know that KK never received any special musical training? KK was never trained in singing; he was blessed with ‘Maa Saraswati’ with a plethora of natural talent. He once said that he went to music school but left it in a few days. It’s because he was inspired by the legendary singer Kishore Kumar, who didn’t have any musical training. So, he decided to learn music by listening to songs and never enrolled in a music school again.
He was supported by his ladylove to pursue singing
The man with a soulful voice had a deep love in his heart. He got married to his childhood sweetheart, Jyothi Krishna. She was the one who pushed him forward in his career. KK worked as a salesman for six months to support their married life but eventually left. His father and Jyothi convinced him to take up music, and he started working on Jingles.
Hero Honda, Colgate, Nerolac Paints- who doesn’t know these brands? KK has given his voice to their advertisements too, before entering Bollywood as a playback singer.
KK sang Chhod Aaye Hum Woh Galiyan, leaving Gulzar in Awe
KK debuted with ‘Chhod Aaye Hum Woh Galiyan’ in 1996. He sang the song with singers Hariharan, Suresh Wadkar, and Vinod Sehgal in the film Maachis.
There is a throwback to a video clip shared by Srijit Mukherji in which the late singer sang it solo while the iconic song’s lyricist, Gulzar, was listening. The- two-minute video will show you how Gulzar got captivated by his soulful and melodious voice. You will hear him saying, “Kya Baat Hai, Kya Baat HAi (THAT’s GREAT) while looking at the cameras and clapping for the singer.
He once said people don’t identify him at concerts because he was media shy
In a 2018 interview with Hindustan Times, KK said that he has always been shy of the media and you won’t find many of his photos in the media. “I guess that’s why people don’t know me. Many times after a concert, fans come to me asking: are you KK, the one who has sung songs like Tadap Tadap or Alvida? They haven’t seen me much, so they don’t know what I look like ”
KK added, “I keep track of every song I sing for a short time. I don’t try to look at how well that song has done after that. So, when fans ask me to sing a particular song at any event, I realize it’s a big hit.”
KK was someone who never worked for credit, but due to his ‘love for singing’.
When the late singer’s soulful voice made Sanjay Leela Bhansali cry
When Sanjay Leela Bhansali was making Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, he heard many songs but didn’t like any. One day he heard ‘Tadap Tadap’ which was sung by KK and do you know, he heard it not once but almost 9 times. He also cried uncontrollably after listening to it.
No doubt, KK has sometimes made us smile and sometimes made us cry with his melodious voice filled with emotions. Although he is not among us today, he will be in our hearts and will be remembered for all his great contributions to the industry.
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