One of the most loved and versatile singers of the 2000s, KK, suddenly passed away at the age of 53 on May 31st. The whole entertainment industry all over the world is currently in deep shock and mourning his demise on social media.
Renowned music composer Anu Malik in a recent interview with us, is seen deeply saddened and remembers his lovely journey with KK. Anu Malik and KK have created magic for listeners over the years and both complemented each other.
He worked together in numerous songs such as “O Ajnabi” from ‘Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon’ (2003), “Gori Gori” and “Ye Fizayein” from ‘Main Hoon Na’ (2004), among others. These songs are very nostalgic for the whole 2000s generation and are still cherished by us in our playlists. They also represented the newcomers’ rise of that time like Hrithik Roshan and Fardeen Khan.
While having a chat, Anu Malik shared, “I am shattered at the news of the demise of one of the most versatile singers in our country and one of my good friends. My association with KK goes back to the late ’90s, when I was looking to reinvent myself and try out something new in the field of music. I was searching for a new voice, for someone who would represent the youth of the country, and that’s when KK entered the scene with songs like “Pyaar Ke Pal” and “Yaron” from ‘Rockford’ (1999) film. As a musician, I remember marvelling at his talent and voice texture.
We joined hands for ‘Aks’ (2001) with “Banda Ye Bindas Hai” and the song became an instant hit and also on numerous other occasions that I will cherish forever.
He will always be remembered by all of us as a humble, dedicated, generous and warm person who was more than just a friend to me. And what a powerhouse of talent. His fans were his ultimate award and he did everything to keep them happy. He even entertained them till his last breath.”
There is no doubt that Anu Malik’s compositions were immensely elevated because of KK’s powerful renditions. Their collaboration was not only magical but it also truly gave Anu Malik’s music a much needed youthful feel from the early 2000s after having Kumar Sanu, Udit Narayan, Abhijeet and Vinod Rathod singing a big chunk of his compositions from 1990 to 1999.
When asked if he remembers any interesting trivia on KK, he said, “While recording for ‘Mujhe Kuch Kehna Hain’ (2001) title track, I remember he came to the recording studio, a storm was raging outside and it was raining profusely. I shook his hand it was burning, he had high fever. I told him go home, you are not well. He said, “OK, but at least teach me the song”, and I did.
As I was leading him towards his car, my track was playing in the background, KK said, “Is this the song sir?”. I said yes. “Can I just try, let me go on the mike.” In spite of my protests due to his health, he rushed into the voice recording cubicle and with his roaring voice belted out the entire track in one take. The song is in a very high octave but KK nailed it. I said KK, you have outdone yourself, I okayed the song in one take and asked him, how did you do this? He said, “Sir, I love this song and your tune and I did not want to miss this opportunity. Now that I have sung it I am rushing home, to my family.”
He further added, “His commitment towards his music was unquestionable. He was a family man to the core and a genius. Special in every sense of the word – I have truly lost a brother. He was pure diamond. I equate him to the humbleness of legendary Mohd. Rafi Saheb and consider myself blessed and lucky to have interacted with KK and worked with him.
He leaves behind a plethora of songs that will motivate us for years to come. The music world will never be the same without you, my friend. KK lives on.”
Below is a list of songs where they both worked together:
“Jab Bhi Koi Haseena” from ‘Hera Pheri’ (2000)
“Jo Dar Gaya Woh Mar Gaya” from ‘Ghaath’ (2000)
“Teri Zindagi Mein Pyar Hai” from ‘Badhaai Ho Badhaai’ (2002)
“Sanjana I Love You” from ‘Main Prem Ki Diwani Hoon’ (2003)
“Chale Jaise Hawaien” from ‘Main Hoon Na’ (2004)
“Kya Kool Hain Hum” from ‘Kya Kool Hain Hum’ (2005)
“Ishq Mein” from ‘No Entry’ (2005)
