Welcome to our in-depth biography of KK, the well-known Indian composer and playback singer. KK, whose real name is Krishnakumar Kunnath, has left a lasting impression on the Indian music scene with his deep voice and adaptable singing technique. KK has captivated listeners all over the world with his musical journey spanning over two decades, from chart-topping Bollywood classics to heartfelt tunes in regional cinema.
His unique voice is marked by his emotional quality. He attracted attention right away. He has been able to work with some of the top lyricists and composers in the business. The song “Tadap Tadap Ke” from the movie Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam marked KK’s breakthrough and made him a well-known playback singer in Bollywood. Several awards, including multiple Filmfare Awards and Zee Cine Awards, have been bestowed upon KK during his career, solidifying his reputation as a musical legend.
He has made a substantial contribution to independent music outside of Bollywood and has dabbled in various genres, including rock and melancholic ballads. Discover KK’s incredible journey from aspiring vocalist to one of India’s most renowned playback singers as we dig into his life and musical legacy.
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Early Life Of KK
Playback singer Krishnakumar Kunnath, also referred to as KK, was from India. He was born on August 23, 1968, in Delhi. Malayali’s parents raised him. Growing up in New Delhi, Krishnakumar Kunnath sang 3,500 jingles before making his Bollywood debut. KK attended Kirori Mal College and Mount St. Mary’s School in Delhi. The song “Josh of India” featured him. During the 1999 Cricket World Cup, this song was played in support of the Indian cricket squad.
Following his graduation from Kirori Mal College with a degree in commerce, KK worked as a marketing executive for half a year. He pursued his passion for music and found it difficult to make a name for himself in the recording business. His main recording languages were Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, and Kannada.KK is considered one of India’s best playback singers. In 1991, KK wed Jyothy Krishna. Nakul Krishna Kunnath, his son, joined him in singing “Masti.”Moreover, KK is the father of Taamara Krishna Kunnath.
Profile Of KK
- Full Name: Krishnakumar Kunnath
- Nickname(s): KK, Kay Kay
- Date of Birth: August 23, 1968
- Birth Place: Delhi, India
- Father’s Name: C.S. Nair
- Mother’s Name: Kunnath Kanakavalli
- Zodiac sign: Virgo
- Nationality: Indian
- Religion: Hinduism
- Marital status: Married
- Spouse: Jyothy Krishna
- Children : Son-(Nakul Krishna Kunnath), Daughter (Tamara Kunnath)
- Occupation(s): Playback singer
- Genres: Indian pop, Bollywood music
- Died: May 31, 2022 (aged 53), Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Years active: 1994–2022
KK’s Career
KK started out singing commercial jingles. In 1996, he debuted in a movie as a song in Maachis. The tracks from KK’s 1999 debut album gained popularity. It turned out that the record was his big break. The song “Tadap Tadap Ke” won him his first Filmfare Award. KK went on to become one of the top vocalists of the new millennium. He was referred to as “The Mesmerizer” by the public. KK became a part of Tamil culture in the 2000s by singing songs from Tamil films. The Tamil song “Appadi Podu” by KK gained popularity throughout India in 2004.
He collaborated on “Strawberry Kanne” with A. R. Rahman. In 2001, he performed “Love Pannu” for Harris Jayaraj. In 2003, Harris Jayaraj wrote two of his hits: “Kalyanam Dhaan Kattitkittu” and “Uyirin Uyire.”. While “Kalyanam Dhaan Kattitkittu” gained popularity throughout Tamil Nadu, “Uyirin Uyire” was famous in the state’s cities. Yuvan Shankar Raja’s “Kadhal Valarthen” was sung by KK. The two hits he had were “Kadhalikkum Aasai” and “Ninaithu Ninaithu.”. KK performed the songs “Annanoda Paatu,” “Pani Thuli,” “Olikuchi Udambukari,” and “Lelakku Lelakku Lela.”.
He was born into a Malayali household; however, he only sang the song “Rahasyamay” in Malayalam. Pal, his first solo album, was published by Sony Music in 1999 after KK was chosen. Popular tracks were “Yaaron,” “Aap Ki Dua,” and “Pal,” the title track. At school dismissals, these tunes were played. He performed “Tanha Chala” on The Ghost, a Pakistani television program. Humsafar, his subsequent album, was released. The songs “Dekho Na,” “Aasman Ke,” “Yeh Kahan Mil Gaye Hum,” and “Cineraria” were included on Humsafar.
He provided the soundtrack for the TV shows Just Shaka Laka Boom Boom, Mohabbat, Kuch Jhuki Si Palkein, Hip Hip Hurray, Kkavyanjali, and Just Dance.KK served on the Fame Gurukul talent search jury. KK performed two qawwals from Jhankaar Beats, “Chadta Suraj” and “Tu Aashiqui Hai”.KK made appearances on MTV Unplugged and Sony Mix. On the singing-reality television program Indian Idol Junior, KK made an appearance in season two.
Most popular songs
- Apadi Podu
- Dus Bahane
- Sajde
- Piya Aaye Na
- Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe
- O Humdum Suniyo Re
- Dola Re Dola
- Uyirin UyiraeMat Aazma Re
- India Wale
- Tu Jo Mila
- Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai
- Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai
- Aankhon Mein Teri
- Khuda Jane
- Zara Sa
Filmography
- 2015 Indian Idol Junior 2,Baaton Baaton Mein
- 2014 Surili Baat
- 2011 Coke Studio 1
- 2005 Fame Gurukul
Awards
Eenam-Swaralaya Awards
- 2012 Singer of the Year
FOI Online Awards
- 2021 Best Playback Singer – Male
Goldie Film Awards
- 2013 Best Song: “Chalte Jaana Hain”
Koimoi Bollywood Audience Poll
- 2015 Best Male Singer: “Tu Jo Mila”
Mirchi Music Awards
- 2014 Album of the Year: “Piya Aaye Na”
RMIM Puraskaar
- 2008 Male Singer of the Year: “Khuda Jane”
- 2019 Best Sung Song: Solo “Kal Ki Hi Baat Hai”
- 2020 RMIM Sammaan “Aur Tanha”
Screen Awards
- 1999 Best Singer: Male (non-film music) “Pal”
- 2009 Best Playback Singer: Male “Khuda Jaane”
KK’s Popularity and Death
The media claims that KK is one of the most well-known singers. KK ranked thirty in Google’s 2022 “Top 100 Most Searched Asians” list. He was referred to by S. R. Praveen as a “rare Malayali singer” who achieved success in Bollywood. Ilina Acharya described it as “KK’s smooth, honey-textured voice.”He was listed as one of the “Top 10 Bollywood Singers” of all time by India TV. Nine of KK’s songs were included in the BBC’s “Top 40 Bollywood Soundtracks of all time” list.
When KK performed at a college event at Nazrul Mancha in South Kolkata, he was feeling under the weather. He went back to his hotel and had a heart attack. He had told his wife that he was in pain before he died, and she assumed it was because of digestive problems. KK was declared dead and brought to the Calcutta Medical Research Institute. He was fifty-three years old. The West Bengal administration saluted KK with a gun at Rabindra Sadan in Kolkata. Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister of West Bengal, was present for the salute. Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences.
Upshot
Krishnakumar, better known by his stage moniker KK, has made a lasting impression on the Indian music scene. His sweet voice and adaptable singing style have won him both critical and popular acclaim. His rise from jingles to Bollywood blockbusters is evidence of his extraordinary talent and commitment. Thanks to his songs’ capacity to arouse strong emotions, KK has become a beloved icon for all generations.
Throughout his career, KK has produced hit songs that have topped the charts, solidifying his place in Indian homes. In addition to playback singing, he has performed in several languages, demonstrating his versatility and wide popularity. The multiple honors and accolades he has garnered attest to his stature in the field and the impact of his work.
Passion, tenacity, and artistic brilliance define KK’s legacy. He keeps encouraging aspiring singers and musicians, demonstrating that genuine talent has no boundaries. Looking back on his remarkable career, it is clear that KK’s music will always have an audience since it is timeless and unaffected by fashion.
FAQs
1. Who is KK?
A: Indian playback singer Krishnakumar Kunnath, also referred to as KK, is well-known for his deep voice and flexibility. His many hits in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, and other languages have made a substantial contribution to the Indian music industry.
2. What is the history and early life of KK?
A: On August 23, 1968, in New Delhi, India, KK was born. After completing his studies at Mount St. Mary’s School in Delhi, he received his degree from Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi. His upbringing was heavily influenced by music, with several genres having a significant impact on his style.
3. How did KK begin his career in music?
A: Before making his breakthrough in Bollywood with the song “Tadap Tadap” from the 1999 movie Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, KK’s career consisted of commercial jingles. His career took off after this song, which made him a well-known playback singer.
4. What noteworthy accomplishments does KK have?
A: KK has won various honors and recognitions for his contributions to the music industry. He is most known for his songs “Yaaron,” “Pyar Ke Pal,” “Khuda Jaane,” and “Zara Sa.” His distinct voice and passionate singing have made a lasting impression on the Indian music scene.
5. How has KK impacted the music business?
A: The ageless melody and profound emotional content of KK’s live performances characterize his legacy. He is one of the most well-liked and esteemed singers in India because of the way that his songs continue to speak to listeners.