A Malayali Boy Raised in Delhi Krishnakumar Kunnath, popularly known as KK, was born into a Malayali family to parents C.S. Menon and Kunnath Kanakavalli. Though his roots were in Kerala, he was raised in Delhi, which shaped most of his early years. He studied at Mount St. Mary’s School and later graduated in Commerce from Delhi University’s Kirori Mal College. KK’s love for music wasn’t classroom-born — it came from listening to his mother’s melodious Malayalam songs, which his father used to record on tape. Those small moments at home unknowingly became the foundation of one of India’s most soulful voices.
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His First Stage Performance in Class 2 KK never received any formal training in music, yet he had a natural gift. His very first stage performance happened when he was in class 2. He sang “Jab Andhera Hota Hai” from the film Raja Rani in front of his school audience. The thunderous applause from the crowd was enough for the little boy to realise that singing wasn’t just something he loved — it was something he was meant to do. That moment, as KK often recalled, was his true calling.
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A Love Story Straight out of a Movie Unlike most celebrities, KK’s love life was simple, sweet, and lifelong. He met his future wife, Jyothy Lakshmi Krishna, in class 6. They grew up together, shared dreams, and stood by each other through every phase of life. KK never had a link-up rumour in the media — because he had only ever dated one woman: Jyothy. The two married in 1991 and went on to build a beautiful family with two children, son Nakul Krishna Kunnath and daughter Tamara. Their marriage stood as proof that true love can exist in the entertainment world, away from glamour and gossip.
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Quitting a Sales Job to Chase His Dream Before turning into a full-time singer, KK took up a sales job to earn a living. But sitting behind a desk, selling products, and chasing targets was not what made him happy. Soon after marrying Jyothy, he realised he had to follow his passion. With encouragement from his father and wife, KK decided to quit his job and focus entirely on music. He bought a keyboard, teamed up with musicians like Shibani Kashyap and Saibal Basu, and started making jingles. Even though the work paid him well, KK wasn’t satisfied with the commercial side of it. That’s when he took the biggest risk of his life — leaving Delhi and moving to Mumbai, the city of dreams.
His First Paycheck Came as a Surprise In Mumbai, KK found his first break in advertising jingles. Over time, he lent his voice to more than 3,500 jingles in multiple languages. But the memory of his first paycheck always remained close to his heart. When music director Ranjit Barot asked him how much he wanted to be paid, KK hesitated, unsure of the industry’s norms. Barot flashed five fingers, and KK assumed it meant ₹500. To his shock and delight, the cheque handed over to him was for ₹5,000. That unexpected reward gave him the confidence that his voice was worth more than he imagined.
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Breakthrough with A.R. Rahman and Bollywood KK’s big moment came when A.R. Rahman gave him a chance to sing Kalluri Saaley and Hello Doctor in Tamil. His unique texture instantly caught attention. Soon, he got his first Bollywood playback song Chhod Aaye Hum Woh Galiyan for the film Maachis in 1996. However, it was the haunting Tadap Tadap Ke from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam (1999) that changed his life forever. The song turned him into an overnight star. After that, KK became the voice behind countless chartbusters — romantic ballads, peppy tracks, soulful numbers — his versatility knew no bounds.
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The Underdog Who Never Chased Awards Despite his incredible career, KK won only one major award — the Best Playback Singer for Khuda Jaane from Bachna Ae Haseeno. In an industry where awards are often linked with recognition, KK remained unfazed. He once said he never sang for trophies or fame — he sang because he loved music. He enjoyed being the underdog, someone who didn’t need the limelight to prove his worth. His songs were his real awards, touching millions of hearts without needing a red-carpet moment.
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The Singer Who Fans Didn’t Recognise Unlike most singers who craved the spotlight, KK preferred to stay away from media glare. He rarely gave interviews or attended industry parties. His low-profile nature often made him unrecognisable to fans. KK once revealed that after concerts, people would come up to him and ask if he was really the voice behind the songs they had just heard. For him, it was bittersweet — he liked the anonymity, but also felt that singers didn’t get enough credit compared to actors.
His Final Performance On May 31, 2022, KK performed at a college fest at Nazrul Mancha in Kolkata. The auditorium was packed, the energy electric, and KK gave it his all on stage. But after the concert, he began feeling uneasy. On his way back to the hotel, he suffered a cardiac arrest. He was rushed to the CMRI Hospital, but doctors declared him dead on arrival. The news shocked the entire nation — a voice that had been part of millions of lives had suddenly gone silent.
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A Legacy That Lives Forever KK may have passed away at just 53, but his songs remain timeless. Tracks like Pal and Yaaron are still the anthem of every school and college farewell. His romantic ballads like Aankhon Mein Teri and Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai continue to be played at weddings and playlists. KK’s voice has an evergreen quality that doesn’t age. As his famous line goes, “Hum rahen ya na rahen kal, kal yaad aayenge ye pal.” True to those words, KK’s music ensures he will never be forgotten.
