KK, beloved Indian singer, dies under mysterious circumstances

Kolkata, India - Indian musician Krishnakumar Kunnath, known on stage as KK, passed away on Tuesday, and his death is now being investigated.

Policemen in Kolkata, India, gave a gun salute near the coffin of beloved singer Krishnakumar Kunnath on Wednesday.
Policemen in Kolkata, India, gave a gun salute near the coffin of beloved singer Krishnakumar Kunnath on Wednesday.  © AFP

Earlier this week, the 53-year-old singer performed at the Nazrul Mancha auditorium for a college festival in Kolkata, India.

After his set, he reportedly began to feel ill, and collapsed in his hotel room that night. As his condition continued to deteriorate, he was rushed to CMRI hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Government minister Aroop Biswas initially reported that KK's death was due to "suspected cardiac arrest," but law enforcement are now investigating other causes after claims that the star had injuries to his head and face.

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Kunnath was born in Dehli, and rose to prominence as a playback singer – a singer whose pre-recorded tracks are used specifically for films.

KK's hit song Tadap Tadap Ke put him on the map, and was featured in the Bollywood film Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.

His other hit songs include Sach Keh Raha Hai, Mangalyam, and Aankhon Me Teri.

KK: Celebs and fans share their condolences

Bollywood singers (from l. to r.) Mohit Chauhan, Krishnakumar Kunnath (KK), and Shaan performed in Mumbai in September.
Bollywood singers (from l. to r.) Mohit Chauhan, Krishnakumar Kunnath (KK), and Shaan performed in Mumbai in September.  © Sujit Jaiswal / AFP

Twitter was flooded with celebrities and fans alike sharing their love for the late icon and the influence his legacy has left behind.

Actor Priyanka Chopra shared a video of a recent KK concert sheattended, with the caption, "Gone too soon."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted that KK's "songs reflected a wide range of emotions as struck a chord with people of all ages. We will always remember him through his songs."

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Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar also reacted to the news.

"Extremely sad and shocked to know of the sad demise of KK. What a loss! Om Shanti," he wrote.

KK leaves behind his wife, son, and daughter.

Cover photo: Collage: AFP & Sujit Jaiswal / AFP

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