It hardly feels real that it’s now been a full year since we lost one of the most soulful and melodious voices in the country. On May 31, 2022, singer Krishnakumar Kunnath, more popularly known as KK, passed away unexpectedly, leaving behind songs that shaped an entire generation.
The singer made his debut in 1999 with the studio album Pal and followed it up with a smashing entry into Bollywood playback singing with the track ‘Tadap Tadap’ from Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam in the same year. The singer would then go on to explore an illustrious career in Bollywood, with his voice being a feature on some of the best soundtracks of early 2000s.
For most of us 90s kids, KK’s songs allowed us to understand the multiple shades of love, be it the firsts tirrings of romantic love to the deep and emotional bond we share with our closest friends.
On his first death anniversary, we decided to round up seven of his most iconic songs sung by KK that we never fail to play on a loop. Happy listening!
‘Tadap Tadap’ from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999)
The song, composed by Ismail Darbar, perfectly captures the anguish of a broken heart and KK’s voice captures the pain and heartbreak perfectly.
‘Yaaron’ from Pal (1999)
This song from KK’s debut studio album became a friendship anthem in the early 2000s and showed us a different side of the singer.
‘Pyaar Ke Pal’ from Pal (1999)
Another hit from the album Pal, this one was a mainstay at all of our school farewells (don’t even try to deny it, fellow 90s kid)!
‘Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar’ from MP3: Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar (2007)
KK breathes life into this song about the confusion and innocence of first love. Listening to the song now will instantly transport you to a happier time.
‘Alvida’ from Life In A…Metro (2007)
While KK’s voice was perfectly suited for romantic songs, there was a different kind of magic when he chose to do songs about heartwrenching pain and hurt.
‘Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai’ from Gangster: A Love Story (2006)
This song was a staple on radio and TV shows and marked another successful collaboration with music composer Pritam.
‘Aankhon Mein Teri’ from Om Shanti Om (2007)
Composed by Vishal-Shekhar, and written by Vishal Dadlani, the song manages to capture the beauty ofno-holds-barred love perfectly.
