KK’s demise: Amit Shah to Akshay Kumar, condolences pour in from all quarters for the iconic singer

Renowned singer Krishnakumar Kunnath, popularly known as KK, passed away after a concert in Kolkata late on Tuesday night. From music bigwigs, actors to political leaders, tributes poured in from every section of the society. KK is etched in the memory of many for voicing melodies of both love and loss.

Remembering the acclaimed singer, superstar Akshay Kumar said he was “part of a lot of his songs” and that he was shocked after hearing about the demise. “He was part of my career, he was a part of my lots of songs... It was a very shocking thing what happened last night. It's very sad that we are losing a lot of our singers & it happened at a very young age,” Akshay told ANI.

Actor Emraan Hashmi, who was the face of many KK songs between 2007 and 2010, reflected upon working with the singer. “A voice and talent like no other.. They don't make them like him anymore. Working on the songs he sang was always that much more special. You will always be in our hearts KK and live eternally through your songs. RIP Legend KK,” he tweeted.

Choreographer and director Farah Khan shared a throwback pic with KK on Instagram. She wrote: “You have gone too soon KK ... u were so different and Real ... in a super ambitious industry u stood out for your unfilminess ... #realartist thank you for giving my films your iconic voice.”

Sardar Udham actor Vicky Kaushal also paid a tribute to KK on his Instagram stories. He shared a picture of the late singer and wrote, “your magical voice will live on forever. Thank you for your evergreen songs.”

Veteran singer Usha Uthup remembered KK as an “amazing performer.” “This is a huge loss to the music industry,” she told ANI.

“He was one of the finest singers of India and the most amazing performer. I got to know about this around 10:30pm. This is a huge loss for the music industry. Everybody will remember him for 'hum rahe ya na rahe, yaad aaenge ye pal,” she said.

Punjabi singer Daler Mehendi said that the death, especially at a time when the country is reeling under the shock of the murder of singer and politician Sidhu Moosewala, is “very shocking.”

Comedian Kapil Sharma also took to Instagram to post his tribute in Hindi. He said: "We met some time ago. What a beautiful evening it was. I didn't know that meeting would be the last. Heart is very sad. God bless you. You will always be in our hearts. Goodbye, brother Om Shanti #KK."

KK’s band member from college Gautam Chikermane reminisced about him as the “energy of the band.” “KK was a drummer & lead singer in our college band of six. More than that, he was the energy in our band. I couldn't believe the news. I double & triple checked everywhere & I was so upset, couldn't sleep all night: Gautam Chikermane, friend & former band member with singer KK,” he told ANI. 

From the political realm, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in whose Kolkata KK took his last breath, took to Twitter and said, “The sudden and untimely demise of the Bollywood playback singer KK shocks and saddens us. My colleagues have been working from last night to ensure that all requisite support is given for necessary formalities, his rites and to his family now. My deep condolences.” 

Home Minister Amit Shah gave condolences to KK’s family on his “untimely demise”. “KK was a very talented and versatile singer. His untimely demise is very saddening and a huge loss to Indian music. With his gifted voice, he has left an indelible impression on the minds of countless music lovers. My deepest condolences to his family and fans. Om Shanti Shanti,” he tweeted. 

Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik said in his tribute: "Saddened to learn about the untimely demise of noted #Bollywood singer #KrishnakumarKunnath popularly known as #KK. He will continue to live in the hearts of music lovers through his mellifluous songs. My thoughts and prayers are with the bereaved family members, friends & fans.” 

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted: “Shocked to hear about the sudden demise of renowned singer Shri Krishnakumar Kunnath, fondly known as KK. His voice and songs will stay till eternity. My heartfelt condolences to his friends and family, and fans across the world.” 

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi described KK as “one of the most versatile singers of the Indian music industry” and said: "His soulful voice gave us many memorable songs. Saddened by the news of his untimely demise last night. My heartfelt condolences to his family & fans across the world.” 

Former Test cricketer and newly elected Rajya Sabha MP, Harbhajan Singh, said: "Devastated to know about sudden death of playback singer #KK. His soulful & melodious songs could easily connect with the hearts of millions of people. My heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and followers. May his pious soul rest in peace." 

The popular playback singer was born in Delhi to Malayali parents. He started his musical journey with the first solo album Pal in 1999. KK was known for voicing acclaimed songs like Tu Hi Meri Shab Hain (Gangster-2006), Tadap Tadap Ke (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam-1999), Dil Ibaadat (Tum Mile- 2009) and Ankhon Mein Teri (Om Shanti Om- 2007), among others.