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A name forever engraved in the history of the Indian music industry, Krishnakumar Kunnath, popularly known as KK, was a Malayali boy raised in Delhi. KK was one of the most loved and renowned singers in India. His songs have the power of speaking to our souls and transporting us to other dimensions of the human psyche. Many of us have grown up listening to KK's songs. Some of his songs from the 1990s and early 2000s bring a smile to our faces even today.
KK's playback singing career in the Indian film industry began in 1999 when he sang the forever-loved song: Tadap Tadap Ke Is Dil Se in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s film Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. His voice instantly struck the audience, and he has been a favourite ever since!
However, KK's big break was preceded by a career of singing jingles. You'd be amazed to know that KK sang 3,500 jingles before entering the Bollywood music industry. KK film songs have been a constant hit. As KK fans world over mourned his untimely and sudden death in May 2022, we all lost a very special person who could give voice and rhythm to our many emotions. On his birthday this year, we have attempted to list some of the most popular and loved KK songs. Read on and celebrate his legacy.
Ten timeless songs by the legendary singer KK:
1. Ek Nazar Mein Bhi
Movie: Taxi No. 9211: Nau Do Gyarah
Co-singers: KK, Sunidhi Chauhan, Vishal–Shekhar
Year of release: 2006
Ek Nazar Mein Bhi is an upbeat romantic song describing the sweet tale of love at first sight. The song evokes warm feelings of love among the young and old alike. Be it high school lovers, young adults in love, or sweethearts in love for years, the song will make you want to look deep into your partner’s eyes and celebrate your love.
2. Labon Ko
Movie: Bhool Bhulaiyaa
Year of release: 2007
A deeply sensual song that comes straight from the soul, Labon Ko speaks of physical intimacy as an expression of love and fondness. The song takes us back to the time when the movie Bhool Bhulaiyaa was released. The steaming chemistry between the characters, Vidya Balan and Shiney Ahuja in the music video is what every couple in love envisaged. The song still manages to strike the sensual, subtle romance chord 15 years later!
3. Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai
Movie: Gangster: A Love Story
Co-singers: Pritam Chakraborty
Year of release: 2006
The magical musical duo of KK and Pritam transport us to a passionate world of unconditional love in the song Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai. The movie in which the song features, Gangster, was unconventional for its time but this song’s popularity was sensational. This was the era when music cassettes were eagerly purchased and favourite songs were obsessed over. KK became a household name after this song.
4. Hai Junoon
Movie: New York
Year of release: 2009
A song about friendship, living in the moment, seizing the day and just everything bright and merry about life, this is one of KK’s most cherished songs. This song speaks to the youth across the country who relate to this song and associate it with their happy memories with their respective friend groups.
5. Zara Sa
Movie: Jannat
Year of release: 2008
Starring the so-called serial kisser of Bollywood - Emraan Hashmi, Jannat was a hit at the box office. Years later, we may have forgotten the plot, but KK’s iconic voice in the song Zara Sa remains in our hearts. The song is still played every time couples sway in love with their partner, adding romance to the air.
6. Aankhon Meri Teri
Movie: Om Shanti Om
Year of release: 2007
Om Shanti Om was one of the iconic Bollywood movies to go down in history for showcasing a range of celebrities, a classic love story, an excellent plot and an amazing soundtrack. It became an instant blockbuster and the romance of Om and Shanti Priya was ingrained in our hearts as KK’s remarkable voice and Vishal-Shekhar’s marvellous composition. The song describes how mesmerising a woman’s eyes and aura are to her lover, but talks about love, and resilience in love on a deeper level.
7. Dil Kyun Yeh Mera
Movie: Kites
Year of release: 2010
Yet another romantic song in KK’s heart-melting voice, Dil Kyun Yeh Mera talks about longing in love. A soothing composition that slowly enters our hearts and transports us into a world where we imagine a union with our significant others, this song is one of the finest works of KK. Primarily talking about finding peace in the company of our lover, this song always features in popular KK film song lists. If you hit the road with your beloved, this track must be featured in your road trip playlist.
8. Yaaron
Movie/Album: Rockford/Pal
Year of release: 1999
There is a list of celebrated Bollywood songs that speak of friendship, and this list is a must-play in all farewells and moments celebrating friendship. KK's Yaaron, from the 1999’s Rockford, has been a must for the last two decades to describe what our friends mean to us. So, if you are looking for songs to go with that video of memories you and your friend share, search no more because Yaaron is the perfect song!
9. Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai
Movie: Woh Lamhe
Year of release: 2006
Starring one of the favourite reel couples from the 2000s - Kangana Ranaut and Shiney Ahuja, the movie Woh Lamhe is best remembered by this KK song. Once again describing what it feels like to be in love, Kya Mujhe Pyaar Hai is a catchy and soothing song featuring KK's melodious voice and unparalleled musical gift.
10. Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe
Movie: Dil Chahta Hai
Co-singers: Shankar Mahadevan, Shaan
Year of release: 2001
Another movie to go down in the history of 'Good Bollywood Movies,' Dil Chahta Hai redefined the portrayal of friendship and adventure for us. One song from this movie that we kept going back to is Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe. Celebrated for its euphoric essence, larger-than-life spirit and mirth found in youth and friendship, this is a song widely played at parties. It's been over 20 years, and we still can't stop vibing to KK’s voice in this song!
Photo: Instagram/kk_live_now