Noted Bollywood singer KK (Krishnakumar Kunnath) who mesmerized music lovers for over three decades passed away late on Tuesday night. The 53-year-old singer died in Kolkata after a live performance at Nazrul Manch. As per reports, while performing on stage, he complained that he was not feeling well. While at his hotel, he complained of chest pain and was rushed to the Calcutta Medical Research Institute (CMRI) where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

"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 that they suspected a cardiac arrest to be the cause of his death. A senior officer of the Kolkata Police told PTI that a post-mortem would be conducted on Wednesday to ascertain the exact reason for the death. KK is survived by his wife and two sons.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was one of the very first people to offer condolences on KK's death on social media. “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," PM Modi wrote.

KK sang in Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi and Assamese. KK was regarded as one of the top singers of Bollywood. He sang numerous hit songs in various films. Some of KK's most popular songs that remain his best songs include Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai (Gangster), Tadap Tadap Ke Is Dil Se (Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam), Awarapan Banjarapan (Jism), Aankhon Mein Teri Ajab Si (Om Shanti Om) and Khuda Jaane (Bachna Ae Haseeno). His song Yaaron, released in 1999, made him a household name.

By Verus Ferreira