KK’s post-mortem report rules out unnatural death. (Photo credit: Twitter)
Well-known Bollywood singer Krishnakumar Kunnath, popularly known as KK, died in Kolkata on Tuesday night, May 31. He was 53, and survived by wife and two children. KK performed at a concert organised by Gurudas College at Nazrul Mancha in south Kolkata for almost an hour in the evening.
He was “feeling heavy” after reaching his hotel, and soon collapsed, officials said. He was taken to a nearby private hospital where doctors declared him brought dead, they said.
“KK was brought to the hospital around 10 pm. It’s unfortunate that we could not treat him,” a senior official of the hospital said.
Doctors at the hospital said they suspected “cardiac arrest” to be the cause of the death. A post-mortem was conducted on Wednesday to ascertain the exact reason for the death.
His post-mortem was conducted at the SSK government hospital in Kolkata. It suggests that the singer suffered a massive cardiac arrest and that he had a chronic liver and a serious lung condition, reported TOI.
The report further suggested that the post-mortem went on for an hour and half and was recorded on video. After his post-mortem, the West Bengal government gave him a gun salute at Rabindra Sadan. It was attended by CM Mamata Banerjee and members of the family of KK. The mortal remains of KK will be brought to Mumbai via a flight and his funeral will take place on June 2.
Condoling his death, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said KK will always be remembered through his songs.
“Saddened by the untimely demise of noted singer Krishnakumar Kunnath popularly known as KK. His songs reflected a wide range of emotions as struck a chord with people of all age groups. We will always remember him through his songs. Condolences to his family and fans. Om Shanti,” Modi tweeted.
His wife and children reached Kolkata on Wednesday morning.
KK, who was on a two-day tour to Kolkata, also performed at Nazrul Manch on Monday evening in a concert organised by Vivekananda College. He was supposed to return to New Delhi on Wednesday.
“I have so many personal memories with him. We started our careers together. He was such a nice and non-controversial person. Life has become so unpredictable and uncertain after the pandemic,” singer-turned-politician Babul Supriyo told reporters after reaching the hospital.
“KK has a big contribution to the advent of rock music in India,” said Supriyo, a TMC MLA.
KK, known as a versatile singer, has recorded songs in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi and Bengali, among other languages. KK released his first album, Pal in 1999.
The singer-composer then focussed more on Bollywood than on his independent music. He has given hits which includes Tadap Tadap from Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Dus Bahane from Dus, Tune Maari Entriyaan from Gunday, Ankhon Mein Teri from Om Shanti Om. He was born in Delhi and was also known for his electric live shows.