It’s been 16 years since the film Kaakha Kaakha directed by Gautham Vasudev Menon was released. Apart from the chemistry between the lead actors — Suriya and Jyothika, the songs by Harris Jayaraj were an instant hit and are still being celebrated by music buffs. Out of the five singles, the song Uyirin Uyirae sung by KK aka Krishnakumar Kunnath had created a stir among youngsters.
The singer, who has sung more than 500 songs in Hindi, Tamil and Malayalam, was in Chennai recently to perform for a concert at Forum Vijaya Mall.
KK has sung for many superhits including Appadi Podu (Ghilli), Andangkaaka (Anniyan), and Odum Varaiyil (Aegan), to name a few. After singing for Aadukalam in 2011, KK’s last Tamil film song was in 2014 for Yaan and Idhu Kathirvelan Kadhal. When quizzed whether the gap in singing in Tamil is a choice, he reveals, “I have sung a lot of kuthu numbers in Tamil than any other genre. I would really like to try more melodies. So, if I get a chance for good soothing melodies, I will definitely do it.”
When asked about future projects, the Neeyae Neeyae singer says, “As of now, I haven’t signed any Tamil songs. But I am ready to sing down south, especially melodies.”
Prod him about his visit to Chennai, the versatile singer says, “I have performed in the city more than four times. I always like Chennai audience as they are very encouraging and enthusiastic.”
Though he has never undergone any formal training in music, KK has a sweet soft-pitched soulful fresh and melodious voice. He can sing any type of songs, either high-pitched or low-pitched. Though he is not well-versed in Tamil, KK loves the Tamil music industry — “I always love this industry as I have listened to many good music directors, especially Ilayaraja sir’s songs. I always love to sing here even though language is a little unknown for me.”
Does he have many favourite Tamil songs — “I love most of Ilayaraja sir’s songs especially Neethane Enthan Ponvasantham” which is my favorite. And when comes to my favourite music director, it will be Vidyasagar, Harris Jayaraj and of course Yuvan Shankar Raja have also given me some hit songs.” Is he aware of the young crop of music composers? “I haven’t much heard of their songs, so I can’t comment on them. If they are very good in Tamil industry, then I would like to work with them sometime.”
