Kolkata: Bollywood singer Krishnakumar Kunnath, popularly known as KK, passed away on Tuesday after a live performance in Kolkata. KK was 53.
The concert was organised by Gurudas College at Nazrul Mancha in south Kolkata in the Tuesday evening.
The singer felt uneasy while performing during the event. When he returned back to the hotel, he collapsed and then he was rushed to a private hospital, where he was declared dead at around 9:30 pm.
According to doctors at the Calcutta Medical Research Institute (CMRI), KK suffered a massive cardiac arrest. The body has been sent for post-mortem, they added.
Many social media users claimed that the auditorium was over-crowded and AC was not working. In the video, KK can be seen sweating profusely.
Kolkata Police have registered a case of unnatural death. According to reports, police are investigating factors like whether the auditorium was overcrowded, and whether the ACs were working or not. They are checking if any prevailing circumstance led to KK falling sick while performing.
Condolences poured in from different quarters on the unexpected death of one of the most versatile playback singers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the untimely demise of popular singer Krishnakumar Kunnath by saying, "His songs reflected a wide range of emotions, struck a chord with people of all age groups. We will always remember him through his songs."
Confirming his death, singer Rahul Vaidya tweeted, "I hear singer KK just passed away. GOD what is really happening!!?? I mean WHAT IS HAPPENING. One of the nicest humans kk sir was. Gone too soon at 53.Beyond shocked. RIP sir."
"Singer KK never smoked or drank! Led the most simple non controversial non media hyped life. Complete family man. Jab bhi mujhe mile he met with so much of love & kindness. God! Too unfair! OM SHANTI," he added.
Armaan Malik said, "Extremely sad and devastated. Another shocking loss for all of us. Can’t believe our KK sir is no more… what is even happening. I can’t take it anymore.”
“Black year for Indian music. Lata didi, bappi da, sidhu paaji and now KK sir. These losses.. all of them feel so personal,” he added.
Akshay Kumar also took to social media and condoled the untimely demise of the singer. “Extremely sad and shocked to know of the sad demise of KK. What a loss! Om Shanti,” he said.
Vishal Dadlani said, “ This cannot be real. @K_K_Pal , nothing will be the same without you. Nothing. My heart is in tatters.The voice of purity itself, of kindness of decency, of a true heart of gold. Gone.”
Harshdeep Kaur wrote, "Just can’t believe that our beloved #KK is no more. This really can’t be true. The voice of love has gone. This is heartbreaking."
Jubin Nautiyal wrote, "One and only. KK"
His debut album 'Pal' was released in April, 1999 and broke all records, becoming an instant hit. (Inputs from agencies)