Condolences pour in after Indian singer KK passes away at 53
Indian singer Krishnakumar Kunnath, better known as KK, died on Tuesday night after falling ill in the middle of a concert, local media reported.
Kunnath was performing at a crowded indoor stadium in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata when he complained of uneasiness. He was rushed to a hospital, the Hindustan Times reported.
Tributes to the singer, who was 53, poured in on social media, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and several Bollywood singers and actors expressing condolences.
"His songs reflected a wide range of emotions as (they) struck a chord with people of all age groups. We will always remember him through his songs," Modi said on Twitter.
Singer Armaan Malik called it a "black year for Indian music" on the micro-blogging site whereas actor Abhishek Bachchan thanked him for sharing his talent with everyone.
Bollywood's Ajay Devgn also sent out condolences and mentioned how the music he sang was associated with his films and that his loss "seems much more personal".
Cricketer Virat Kohli also tweeted and wrote, "lost a magnificent singer of our times and so suddenly. Condolences to his family and close ones."
Our very own celebrities also took to different platforms to express their sadness and memories attached with KK's songs.
Actor Minal Khan re-shared a news post on her Instagram stories and said that KK's death is "unbelievable".
Singers Farhad Saeed and Bilal Maqsood also shared the news on their Instagram stories with KK's hit song 'Pyaar ke Pal'.
Singer Faisal Kapadia shared KK's photo on Instagram and wrote, "I am shocked… can’t believe it. Always loved his work and his soulful voice. Gone too soon".
Radio host Dino Ali also penned a post dedicated to the late singer. He wrote that KK's album Pal was something he listened to as a teen. "I remember being a young boy in my room singing along to every song knowing every word and would mimic your [KK] tone, your long notes, your style. You were one of the few artists that I had heard singing western soulful melodies in Urdu/Hindi and I knew I wanted to do the same."
He also mentioned that he has sung many of KK's songs and every time he does that it brings him so much joy because it reminds him of the "cherished memories with loved ones" who are here and those who aren't.
"You were my musical hero and as anyone knows I have said this many times you are and will always be one of my favourites. I will always be sad that I never got to tell you in person how much your music your artistry means to me how you inspired me - but I remember you and your loved ones in my prayers - RIP legend - thank you for your music thank you for the memories sir," he concluded.
Kunnath had sung several songs for Bollywood films and music albums and frequently performed at live concerts.