This comprehensive biography explores the life and career of the renowned Indian singer, KK, from his early years to his untimely demise. We delve into his personal life, musical journey, and the impact he left on the Indian music industry.
Wiki/Biography
Krishna Kumar Kunnath, born on Friday, 23 August 1968, in Delhi, was a celebrated Indian singer. His zodiac sign was Virgo. He completed his schooling at Mount St. Mary’s School, Delhi, followed by a commerce degree from Kirori Mal College, Delhi. After graduation, he moved to Mumbai to pursue his singing career.
While he briefly attended a music class as a child, KK’s passion for music was self-taught. His natural talent and dedication shone through his participation in various school and college competitions and rock bands. He famously stated, “I went there only for three days. I hated it because for me music had no boundaries and I couldn’t understand why one needed to learn singing. So I left, and I never went back.”
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5′ 5″
- Eye Colour: Black
- Hair Colour: Black
Family
Parents & Siblings
KK hailed from a Malayali family, originally from Thrissur district, Kerala. His father’s name was C. S. Nair, and his mother’s name was Kunnath Kanakavalli.
Wife & Children
KK married his longtime girlfriend, Jyothy Lakshmi Krishna, a professional painter, in 1991. Together, they had two musically inclined children: a son, Nakul Krishna Kunnath, and a daughter, Tamara Kunnath. Both are involved in singing, composing, and music production.
Relationships/Affairs
KK’s relationship with Jyothy began in his 10th standard. He revealed that he sang “Pyaar Deewana Hota Hai” for her at his colony’s annual function. His charming anecdote about securing a sales job to become a suitable groom highlights his dedication to her. He humorously recounted, “Job karni zaroori thi, nahi toh main agar bolta ki main gaata hun, toh vo bolte gaata toh main bhi hun, kaam kya karte ho?”
Career
Before establishing himself in the music industry, KK briefly worked in hotel marketing. His journey into Bollywood began with presenting demo tapes to music industry veterans like Louis Banks, Ranjit Barot, and Lesle Lewis in 1994. A jingle for Santogen Suitings, secured through UTV, marked his breakthrough.
His career soared, encompassing over 3,500 jingles in eleven Indian languages. He contributed significantly to memorable ad campaigns like Yo Frooti and Pepsi’s “Yeh Dil Mange More.” He even lent his voice to “Josh of India,” supporting the Indian Cricket Team during the 1999 World Cup.
Dubbed Songs
KK’s playback singing debut involved the songs “College Style” and “Hello Dr,” composed by A. R. Rahman for the Hindi dubbed version of the Tamil film Kadhal Desam (1996). He extended his reach by singing Telugu versions of these songs as well. His work spanned various languages and film industries throughout his career.
Music Albums
His debut album, Pal (1999), released by Sony Music India and composed by Lesle Lewis, propelled him into the spotlight. The songs “Pal” and “Yaaron” became anthems for the 90s generation. Despite this success, KK prioritized playback singing, recognizing the wider reach of Bollywood.
His second album, Humsafar (2008), showcased his versatility, blending genres including Bengali Baul, rock, and a hint of S.D. Burman’s style.
Bollywood
KK’s Bollywood debut was with Vishal Bhardwaj’s “Chhod Aaye Hum Galiyan” in Maachis (1996). He achieved widespread recognition with A.R. Rahman’s “Tadap Tadap” from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999). His repertoire boasts numerous chart-toppers, including “Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe” from Dil Chahta Hai (2001).
Other Languages
KK’s musical contributions extended far beyond Hindi. He sang in Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, and Telugu, showcasing his linguistic and vocal range.
Television
Beyond films, KK graced television screens as a judge on Fame Gurukul (2005) and appeared on shows like MTV Coke Studio and MTV Unplugged. He also sang title songs for numerous popular TV series.
Awards
KK’s talent earned him numerous accolades throughout his career, including awards for Best Singer in various categories and languages. His contributions were widely recognized and appreciated.
Death
KK tragically passed away on May 31, 2022, due to a suspected cardiac arrest following a performance in Kolkata. His death was initially reported as an unnatural death by the Kolkata Police due to injuries found on his body. A full autopsy was conducted to determine the definitive cause of death. He was cremated in Mumbai.
Favourites
| Category | Preference |
|---|---|
| Cuisine | South Indian, Italian |
| Singer(s) | Kishore Kumar, R.D. Burman, Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Bryan Adams |
| Music Band(s) | Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, Extreme, Eagles |
Facts
- KK never received formal music training.
- His first stage performance was ABBA’s “Fernando”.
- Lesle Lewis mentored him in jingles.
- His son, Nakul, collaborated with him on the song “Masti”.
- He came from a musically inclined family.
- He gave his first performance at the age of 2.
