(CNN) — Indian singer Krishnakumar Kunnath, known by the stage name KK, died in Kolkata on Tuesday night, the city’s CMRI hospital said.
Just hours before his death on May 31, the acclaimed 53-year-old singer performed at a concert at Nazrul Mancha, a venue at Sir Guruda’s Mahavidyalaya College in the eastern Indian city of Kolkata.
Krishnakumar Kunnath, also known as KK, performing in concert in Sydney, Australia in 2019.
Kunnath’s work as a playback singer, a singer whose songs have been pre-recorded for use in films, has brought him fame nationally and across the diaspora, having lent his voice to hundreds of Bollywood films. He became a household name after the release of his first solo album Pal in 1999.
Tributes for the late singer began flowing on social media as soon as news of his death broke, including one from the country’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Saddened by the untimely passing of acclaimed singer Krishnakumar Kunnath, popularly known as KK. His songs reflected a wide range of emotions and struck a chord with people of all ages. We will always remember him through his songs. My condolences to his family and followers “Om Shanti”, Modi said.
Indian actor Akshay Kumar said in a tweet: “Extremely saddened and shocked to hear of KK’s sad death. What a loss! Om Shanti.”
Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri said he was “very saddened” to learn of Kunnath’s death, noting that he sang the opening song of his first film and has been a “great friend” ever since.
“Why so early, KK, why? But you left a treasure in the playlists. Very difficult night. Om Shanti. Artists like KK never die,” said Agnihotri.
Kunnath’s first notable role in Bollywood was with the song “Tadap Tadap Ke” from the movie Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam.
His other popular tunes include “Sach Keh Raha Hai” from the movie “Rehnaa Hai Terre Dil Mein” and the song “Mangalyam” from the movie “Saathiya”.
Kunnath was born in New Delhi in August 1968 and graduated from the University of Delhi’s Kirori Mal College before starting his career as commercial jingles, according to CNN affiliate News18.