Hum, rahen ya na rahen kal

Who knew Hum, rahen ya na rahen kal..., the timeless classic that filled the air at Kolkata’s Nazrul Mancha on Tuesday, would be his final performance?

Krishnakumar Kunnath, better known as KK, died on Tuesday at the age of 53.

His untimely death has taken everyone, including his colleagues in the entertainment industry, by surprise. The singer became ill while performing in Kolkata for the Gurudas College fest. He was rushed to the CMRI hospital in the city, and doctors declared him dead shortly thereafter.

KK had performed in back-to-back shows in Kolkata over the past two days.
He is survived by his wife Jyothi and two children — son Nakul Krishna Kunnath and daughter Tamara Kunnath. The family has reached Kolkata.

 Tributes pour in

Several celebrities from the political, sports, and film fraternity have expressed their condolences for KK’s untimely death by posting messages on their social media pages

KK was a very talented and versatile singer. His untimely demise is very saddening and a huge loss to Indian music. With his gifted voice, he has left an indelible impression on the minds of countless music lovers. My deepest condolences to his family and fans. Om Shanthi Shanthi.

—Amit Shah

Krishnakumar Kunnath, fondly known as KK, was one of the most versatile singers of the Indian music industry. 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.

— Rahul Gandhi

Uyirin Uyire” passed away. RIP Singer KK. What a shocking news to hear when the whole world is praising his last song “Konji Konji”. I am completely shattered and my condolences to his family and friends.

— Harris Jayaraj

I was shocked to hear of the untimely demise of KK, who was entertaining people in multiple languages with his songs. My condolences to his family, friends and fans.   

— Kamal Haasan

Cannot believe this. A part of my childhood dies with @K_K_Pal strangely lives on also. Thank you for the invaluable memories, your music will always magically teleport me back to simpler and purer times, those carefree days of blasting ur music n singing my heart out.

— Pooja Hegde

Eminent singer KK passes away at the age of 53. Heart broken….lost a wonderful human and a great voice today. Rest In Peace bro. The heavens are luckier.

— Madhavan

Lost a magnificent singer of our times and so suddenly. Condolences to his family and close ones. #KK

— Virat Kohli

Deeply saddened to know about the sudden demise of noted playback singer Krishnakumar Kunnath, popularly known as KK. Extending my heartfelt condolences to his family. May his soul rest in peace.

— KS Chithra

I am unable to wrap my head around this news. Numb. #KK Why! This is too hard to accept! Heart is shattered in pieces.  

— Shreya Ghoshal