Singer-composer Krishnakumar Kunnath, known as KK, died in Kolkata on Tuesday at the age of 53 from a suspected heart attack, after taking ill shortly after a performance in the city.
KK was in the city for a two-day concert, and looked visibly unwell after his performance at the Nazrul Mancha.
KK is said to have collapsed in his Kolkata hotel room, shortly after performing the live gig, and was rushed to the nearby CMRI hospital.
‘KK was brought to the hospital around 10 pm. It’s unfortunate that we could not treat him,’ a senior official of the hospital told news agency PTI.
“He was brought dead to the hospital around 10 pm,’ said a CMRI hospital staff.
KK released his first album, Pal in 1999 and soon became a staple of the 90s and early noughts with his soulful voice. The singer-composer has umpteen hits to his credit such as Tadap Tadap (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam), Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai (Woh Lamhe), O Meri Jaan (Life In A… Metro), Dus Bahane (Dus), Beete Lamhein (The Train), Ankhon Mein Teri (Om Shanti Om), Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai (Gangster), and Tune Maari Entriyaan (Gunday).
The singer’s sudden death has sent shockwaves across the entertainment industry.
Many celebs took to social media to express their condolences the singer’s untimely demise.
Actor Akshay Kumar, for whom KK sang a number of songs over the years, tweeted, ‘Extremely sad and shocked to know of the sad demise of KK. What a loss! Om Shanti.’
Actors Vicky Kaushal and Ranveer Singh both shared KK’s picture their social media.
Kaushal wrote, ‘Your magical voice will live on forever. Thank you for your evergreen songs.’
Singer and peer Sonu Nigam also shared an emotional message for KK on his social media.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also mourned the death of KK. In a tweet, PM Modi said he is saddened by the untimely demise of the noted singer, tweeting ‘Saddened by the untimely demise of noted singer Krishnakumar Kunnath popularly known as KK. His songs reflected a wide range of emotions as struck a chord with people of all age groups. We will always remember him through his songs. Condolences to his family and fans. Om Shanti.’
The singer was reportedly ‘feeling heavy’ after reaching his hotel, and soon collapsed, officials told PTI.
The singer’s family was spotted arriving at Kolkata airport on Wednesday morning. His mortal remains are currently kept at CMRI hospital from where it will be taken to SSKM hospital.
A case of unnatural death has been registered with the New Market police station. Arrangements are being made for postmortem at SSKM hospital.
KK’s body will be handed over after post-mortem.
Police probe is on in the case and investigators are waiting for the preliminary report of the postmortem.
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