Google Doodle Celebrates Singer KK aka Krishnakumar Kunnath, Known for His Soulful, Romantic Songs. (Image:X/Google)
The tech giant Google celebrated late Bollywood iconic singer KK alias Krishnakumar Kunnath’s anniversary of his debut as a playback singer. It was on this day in 1996 that KK made his debut as a playback singer on the song, “Chhod Aaye Hum.” Krishnakumar Kunnath was born on August 23, 1968, in Delhi, India. He attended Kirori Mal College and briefly worked in marketing before transitioning to music. KK‘s debut album “Pal” (1999) became a huge success.
A song about love at first sight that makes you fall in love with it every time it plays 🎵❤️
This #GoogleDoodle celebrates the voice of KK that will stay in our hearts forever 🥹 pic.twitter.com/kLPIyFTVso— Google India (@GoogleIndia) October 25, 2024
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KK considered Lesle Lewis his mentor for giving him his first jingle to sing in Mumbai. He sang over 3,500 jingles in 11 languages and he then became a playback singer beginning with A. R. Rahman’s “Kalluri Saaley” and “Hello Dr.”
KK began his career singing advertising jingles and made his film debut in 1996. His most popular songs include “Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe” and “O Humdum Suniyo Re.” KK was popularly known as “The Mesmerizer” for his romantic songs. He sang over 500 songs in Hindi and 200 in Telugu, Bengali, Kannada and Malayalam songs. He received the 2009 Screen Awards Best Playback Singer – Male award for “Khuda Jaane.” KK worked with filmmaker Srijit Mukherji and lyricist Gulzar on a song for Sherdil: The Pilibhit Saga.
His popular songs include “Tadap Tadap,” “Pal,” “Yaaron,” “Kya Mujhe Pyar Hai,” and “Tu Jo Mila.” and he received two Screen Awards and six Filmfare Award nominations. KK married Jyothy Krishna in 1991 and had a son, Nakul, and a daughter, Taamara. Several renowned artists such as AR Rahman, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Harris Jayaraj and many others paid tribute to the legendary singer.
KK sang popular songs in Tamil, including “Appadi Podu” and “Uyirin Uyire.” He worked with A. R. Rahman and Yuvan Shankar Raja to produce hit songs. KK sang only one Malayalam song in his 25-year career which is from the movie Puthiya Mukham (2009).
The singer appeared on several TV shows, including Fame Gurukul, Coke Studio, and Indian Idol Junior. He performed in concerts worldwide. He had no formal musical training. According to film director Mahesh Bhatt, KK had an emotional bandwidth which echoed all the seasons of the heart.
KK’s work received praise from several artists, including Arijit Singh and Abhijeet Bhattacharya. Many actors termed KK their favourite Singer. He is described in the media as one of the most popular and versatile singers of Indian cinema. India TV placed him in its “Top 10 Bollywood Singers” of all time list.
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He performed a concert at Nazrul Mancha in South Kolkata on May 31, 2022. After the concert, he complained of feeling unwell and experienced cardiac arrest. KK was rushed to Calcutta Medical Research Institute, where he was declared dead. KK’s autopsy cited myocardial infarction as the probable cause of death.
Three public interest litigations related to his death were registered in the Calcutta High Court. KK was given a gun salute by the West Bengal government. His funeral was held at the Versova Hindu Cemetery attended by family, friends, and colleagues.
