Krishnakumar Kunnath, popularly known as K.K, passed away on 31st May 2022 during his concert in Kolkata, leaving his fans shocked. The news came as a shocker for his fans and several listeners worldwide. While sources say that he passed away due to a heart attack, some speculated that it was due to mismanagement by the organizers that K.K collapsed during the show. But who exactly was K.K? Let’s find out.
Who Was K.K?
Krishnakumar Kunnath, also popularly known as K.K, is the pop sensation who marked an era of iconic songs and jingles for the 90s and 2000s generations. For almost three decades, K.K has contributed to both Bollywood as well as the regional music industry. His voice texture, range, and diversity spanned genres. From rock, pop, and soft Hindi songs, K.K managed to cover and perform tracks of every kind.
End Of An Era!
On 31st May 2022, an era ended when this legendary pop king of music passed away during his concert in Kolkata. K.K’s death left his fans shattered and speechless but, most importantly, left a huge void for the music industry and his listeners. He contributed greatly to the music industry with his versatile voice. K.K has recorded tracks in Kannada, Marathi, Gujarati, Hindi, and English. Apart from singing songs in several regional languages, he lent his voice to several popular and unpopular projects. Let’s take a look at some of his unpopular songs
1. Jab Kabhi From Jhankar Beats (2003)
Jhankar Beats is one of the iconic tribute films dedicated to the one and only legendary music composer and singer R.D Burman. This movie is known for its popular songs like Suno Na and Tera Muskurana. While K.K sang the popular song Tu Aashiqui Hai for this movie, his duet song with Mahalaxmi Iyer, known as Jab Kabhi, remains underappreciated and underrated. This song talks about hope, love, and aspirations and is beautifully penned and composed by Vishal Dadlani.
2. Gulon Mein Rang Bhare From Sikandar
Gulon mein rang bhare is one of the popular ghazals written by the legendary Urdu poet Faiz Ahmed Faiz. This track was covered and performed by K.K for the movie Sikandar. Composed by Sandesh Shandilya, this version of Gulon mein rang bhare is a beautiful rendition of the original version. The lyrics of this track were written by Neelesh Mishra, who is a renowned radio host, presenter, poet, and lyricist. This song is a must-add to your playlist if you’re looking for soulful covers of your favorite ghazals.
3. O Meri Jaan From Tum Mile (2009)
This track is one of the most underappreciated and underrated songs from the album of Tum Mile. Apart from Dil Ibadat, which topped the charts, this number continues to be a gem among the rare songs sung by K.K. Composed by Pritam and written by Sayeed Quadri, this song reflects loss, heartbreak, and separation, and needless to say, K.K did absolute justice to this beautiful song.
4. Jeena Kya From Om Jai Jagdish (2002)
This track is probably one of the most powerful songs by K.K that remains underrated to this day. Composed by Anu Malik and written by Sameer, this song is brought to life by K.K’s voice. This track is from the album of the 2002 film Om Jai Jagdish. This song is a true treasure by K.K since it talks about hope, strength, courage, and resilience. Apart from the themes of the song, K.K’s vocal range, and transitions make this song a powerful track from this very album.
5. Aasmaan Ke From Humsafar (2008)
‘Aasmaan Ke’ from K.K’s album Humsafar is an upbeat song about separation and yearning. K.K is known for his songs dealing with separation, loss, heartbreak, and yearning. However, this song from his album is an upbeat track that reflects a journey of love, yearning, and hope to meet one’s beloved. This is one of the lesser-known songs by K.K, especially when it comes to his independently produced music.
6. Title Song Of Hip Hip Hurray
Hip Hip Hurray was a 90s Indian tv series that were based on social issues related to high-school kids. This show was a highlight for most 90s kids, and it gave a break to major actors and actresses like Purab Kohli, Shweta Salve, Vishal Malhotra, and Rushad Rana. The title song of this T.V show was sung by K.K and Hema Sardesai. Additionally, the title song is a reminder to the youth to seize the day, thrive, and be hopeful in spite of all the troubles.
7. Title Song Of Just Mohabbat
Just Mohabbat was one of the iconic 90s Indian tv shows with its popular title song sung by K.K. The catchy opening lines of this song, “Don’t Darofy, Simply Karofy” reflected the mojo of never giving up. This peppy and cheerful track by K.K is a memorable song that you should definitely add to your playlist.
8. Ehsaas From Bas Yun Hi
K.K is the pop king, but most importantly, he’s known for singing soulful songs about love, heartbreak, and loss. This underrated gem is from the 2003 movie Bas Yun Hi starring Purab Kohli and Nandita Das. This track is an ode to new love, beginnings, and the feelings associated with it.
9. Bombay Town from Supari (2003)
This track is from the 2003 movie Supari. There are so many songs made in cities, especially Bombay. We all must have heard of the popular song Ye Hai Bombay Meri Jaan, which describes Bombay and its struggles. This song is a modern take on a city like Bombay. Composed by Vishal Dadlani and penned by Javed Akhtar, this song sums up the life, struggles, the good, the bad, and the in-betweens in this peppy song. While it talks about the struggles. K.K’s voice becomes a reminder to stay hopeful and positive even in the darkest hours. Akhtar describes the city as ‘Sheher Hai Ek Samandar,’ and this phrase is brought to life by K.K’s vibrant voice. This one is a must-listen if you love songs that are based on cities.
10. Cineraria From Humsafar
This track is a rare number from K.K’s 2008 album Humsafar. Cineraria is one of the lesser-known English songs produced and sung by K.K. This soft rock song talks about distance, separation, and longing expressed by one lover to another. From the guitar riffs to K.K’s vocal range, this song says it all. This song is a must-listen if one is looking forward to exploring K.K’s versatile discography.
11. Le Chalein From My Brother Nikhil (2005)
This Track is from the 2005 movie My Brother Nikhil, based on the real-life of Dominic D’Souza, the first patient zero who got diagnosed with AIDS. This heartwarming and bittersweet song reminds us about the moments of courage one experiences during difficult times. This song sung by K.K reflects hope amidst the chaos. K.K’s mesmerizing voice reminds listeners to carry memories as treasures and thrives in tough times. This song is a reminder that hope isn’t lost and that people are supported and loved no matter what. K.K brings out the essence of hope and healing in this beautiful track.
Also Read: The Iconic KK Is No More, Singer Passes Away After A Kolkata Concert
12. Main Seedhe Saadhe Dhang Se from Socha Na Tha (2005)
This track is from the 2005 movie Socha Na Tha which marked the directorial debut of Imtiaz Ali and the acting debut of Abhay Deol. K.K is known for his romantic and sad songs, but this song tops everything off. This song is a simple yet not so subtle way of expressing your love when you fall short of words. K.K’s voice and range make a common gesture uncommon, and this song is proof of that. This song is a must-listen if you want to express your love through beautiful songs.
13. O Mama from 7 Khoon Maaf
This track is another powerful song from 2011, 7 Khoon Maaf, directed by Vishal Bhardwaj. Written by Gulzar and performed by K.K, this song is another rare song by K.K. from the rock genre. K.K has recorded and performed songs from genres like pop, indie, and rock, but this song is completely different when it comes to the rock genre since it brings out K.K’s diverse and versatile range.
14. Khula Aasmaan from Chain Kulii Ki Main Kulii
Khula Aasmaan from the 2007 movie Chain Kulli Ki Main Kulli is a beautiful and underappreciated track performed by K.K. This song talks about hope, dreams, and ambitions. Sung by K.K and composed by Salim Merchant, this song is a reminder that the sky is the limit. K.K’s vibrant voice encourages the listeners to go after their dreams and unleash their limitless potential. This song about hope and ambition is a must-listen.
15. Yaadon Ki Album From My Friend Pinto
One of the rarest songs by K.K, Yaadon ki album is a song from the 2011 musical -comedy film My Friend Pinto directed by Raaghav Dar. Written by Charan Jeet and Deepa Seshadri, this number talks about memories as a box of treasure and brings you back to your nostalgic days. K.K’s voice in this song serves as a time machine for people who believe in taking a trip down memory lane.