‘The tears won’t stop’: Celebrities, politicians mourn KK’s death

Mumbai: The Hindi film world reacted with shock and disbelief to the news of the death of popular playback singer KK Tuesday night in Kolkata at the age of 53.

Mamta Banerjee, in whose Kolkata KK breathed his last, took to Twitter to say: “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.”

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.

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.”

Trinamool Congress MLA Babul Supriyo: “One of the nicest guys the Music Industry ever had … One of bestest voices we ever had … #KK’s sudden so so very untimely demise is too shocking and devastating a reality to deal with … Rest in Peace my friend.”

Superstar Kamal Haasan, whose film Vikram is slated for a June 3 release, tweeted in Tamil: “The news of the untimely death of Krishnakumar Kunnath alias KK, who entertained the fans by singing in multiple languages, is shocking. My condolences to the family, friends, and fans who lost him.”

The shock was felt across the border, too, and Pakistani singer Ali Zafar expressed the feelings of millions when he took to social media to share his condolences: “Shocked by the passing of two amazing artists @iSidhuMooseWala and @K_K_Pal. Life is so unpredictable. May their souls rest in peace and families gather strength to go through these difficult times.”

Singer and music composer Shankar Mahadevan said he was “numb” and “devastated” by the news. He tweeted: “Just can’t take this … KK how could you just go like this? Love you buddy … Rest in peace.” Mahadevan signed off with the line that will now define KK’s life and untimely death: ‘Hum rahe ya na rahen yaad aayenge ye pal’.

Singer and music composer Sheykhar Ravjiani tweeted: “Still processing the grief … the loss of a divine human being … love you my brother … you made this world a better place with your infectious smile, your divine voice and your beautiful spirit. ‘Kya yaar … chodke chala gaya tu … Tu Aashiqui, Tu Roshni’.”

Mourned Hashmi: “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.”

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.”

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.”

“In utter shock. Just heard about KK. Someone please tell me it’s not true,” music director Pritam tweeted, articulating the sentiments of the countless fans of the late singer.

Vishal Dadlani commented: “The tears won’t stop. What a guy he was. What a voice, what a heart, what a human being. #KK is FOREVER!!!”

Krishnakumar Kunnath, or KK, began his career in 1996 and gave the world hits such as ‘Tadap Tadap’ from ‘Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam’, ‘Dus Bahane’ from ‘Dus’ and ‘Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai’ from ‘Woh Lamhe’, among many others.

Actor Manoj Bajpayee said: “It’s so so heartbreaking! A talent with grace & dignity! Pure gem of a person! Known him for many years!! Will take a lot of time to come to terms with this loss!! Condolences to his family & friends!! #RIPKK SPEECHLESS!!”

Ajay Devgn also wrote: “It seems so ominous. The news of KK’s death, that too right after a live performance, is terrible. He sang for films I was associated with, so his loss seems that much more personal. RIP #KrishnakumarKunnath. Prayers & condolences to his family.”

Armaan Malik tweeted: “Extremely sad and devastated. Another shocking loss for all of us. Can’t believe our KK sir is no more … what is even happening. I can’t take it anymore.”

KK was born in Delhi in 1968 and studied at Mount St Mary’s and Kirori Mal College. He became famous after his first album ‘Pal’, whose title song has remained a hardy perennial at all farewells, was recorded in several languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Bengali.

Also Read: Popular singer KK dies after live concert in Kolkata

The other who mourned KK’s passing included:

TV actress Munmun Dutta: “It is shocking beyond words … to every music lover like me. GOD what’s happening. Life is so unpredictable.”

Former cricketer Virender Sehwag: “Tragic to hear about the passing away of KK after falling ill while performing in Kolkata. Another reminder of how fragile life is. Condolences to his family and friends.”

Playback singer Sonu Kakkar: “Just heard about KK!! Oh God!! Can’t believe … What’s happening! RIP KK”

Actress Dia Mirza: “KK … you always filled my heart with love … The nicest human being and the most soulful voice.”

Actor Vivek Oberoi: “Can’t believe KK is gone. It’s a sad day for all. Always loved his voice and cherished his songs. Thanks for giving me ‘O Humdum Suniyo’, everytime I hear it, I will think of you brother. Today we are left with only your voice and memories, and heaven has got your melody. Om Shanti!”

Singer Rekha Bhardwaj tweeted: “I am numbed� KK� our KK� simply cannot process it� This is unfair� KK will miss your laughter vibrancy your songs and mostly you� forever�”

KK, about 10 hours before his death, took to Instagram and shared pictures from his concert. His death came as a shocking surprise for his family and many friends.

Vicky Kaushal: “Your magical voice will live on forever. Thank you for your evergreen songs.”

Sonu Nigam: “KK, mere bhai, not done.”

Shreya Ghoshal: “I am unable to wrap my head around this news. Numb. #KK Why! This is too hard to accept! Heart is shattered into pieces.”

Mohit Chauhan, KK’s contemporary from the generation that made Indipop so popular in the ’90s: “KK … not fair man. Not your time to go. This was the last time we were together to announce a tour together. How can you just go??? In shock. In grief. A dear dear friend, a brother is gone. RIP KK. Love you.”

Singer Harshdeep Kaur, who collaborated with KK on songs like ‘Sajde’, expressed her shock in these words: “Just can’t believe that our beloved #KK is no more. This really can’t be true. The voice of love has gone. This is heartbreaking.”