KK

23 Aug, 1968 | Thrissur, Kerala

Singer

Biography

Krishna Kumar (also known as K.K./Kay Kay) was an Indian playback singer. He was a prominent singer in Hindi, Tamil, and Telugu films. His name was often confused with the similar screen name of a Bollywood actor, Kay Kay Menon. Born in Thrissur, Kerala, Krishna Kumar was brought up in New Delhi. A student of Mount St. Mary's School, Delhi Cantt. and a graduate of Delhi University, he waited at tables for six months before he got his break, singing in a jingle for a commercial. He appeared in the "Josh of India" song for the support of the Indian Cricket Team during the Cricket World Cup 1999. Following this, he released an album called Pal, the title song of which struck a chord with listeners. Songs titled "Aap ki Dua" and "Yaaron" from the same album were also popular. His first song for a Bollywood film was Chhod Aaye Hum (Maachis). But it was the song Tadap Tadap, from the movie Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, that brought him into the limelight. His next released album Humsafar did not go as well as he expected, but some songs fared well such as Raina Bhari Kaari, Ye Kahaan mil Gaye Hum and Aasmaan ke. Back in Bollywood, he notched up winners with songs such as "Tu Aashiqui Hai" from "Jhankaar Beats" (for which he received a National Award), "Chand Ki Roshni Se" from "Home Delivery", "Awarapan Banjarapan" from "Jism", "It's The Time To Disco" from "Kal Ho Naa Ho" and the smash hit "Dus Bahaane" (with Shaan) from the film "Dus".   His other hit songs include "Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai" from the movie Gangster,"O meri Jaan" from Life in a Metro, "Soniye Soniye" from "Aksar", "Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar Hai" from "Mera Pehla Pehla Pyaar Hai", "Alvida Alvida" from "Life in a Metro", "Ajab Si" from "Om Shanti Om" and "Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai" from "Woh Lamhe". His next smash hit "khuda jaane" was from the film "Bachna Ae Haseeno" released in August 2008. Also, according to many, he was the new voice of India in the sense that almost all struggling singers want his voice. On January 24, 2008, KK's second album Humsafar was released. He has also sung in South Indian languages - Tamil and Telugu. His Tamil songs popular in Chennai are My Name is Billa from the Movie Billa, Uyirin Uyiray from Kaakha Kaakha, Kadalikkum Asai Undu from the movie Chellame, and Appadi Podu from Ghilli. Death KK passed away at the age of 53. KK felt unwell during a concert at Nazrul Manch in Kolkata. As per the reports, the celebrated singer felt uneasy and collapsed after reaching his hotel.