19 Jun 2012

KK Provides Mumbai With A Memorable Evening.


Perfect! That’s one word to sum up KK’s performance on 16th June, 2012 at Shanmukhananda Hall, Mumbai. Well, almost perfect. The only thing not perfect about the evening was when the audience would song ;)

My company was organizing an event at the venue the next day. So I was fortunate to go backstage before this Fever 104.8 FM organized event began. There I got a 1st glimpse of him; a figure of calm energy who spoke quietly to an organizer before quickly retreated to his dressing room. As expected, I was delighted, but didn’t know the evening would only get better.
KK  the Legend - Need I say more?

KK took centre stage to a standing ovation by around 7:30. Dressed in well fitting black trousers, shirt and blazer, he looked at ease right from the word GO. He explained to us what an Unplugged Concert is – no electronics. The instruments to compliment him were an acoustic guitar, an acoustic bass, drums, percussions, grand piano and harmonium. He immediately broke into a sensational unplugged version of Tu Aashiqui Hai from the movie Jhankar Beats. WOW! It evoked a thunderous applause and gave us Goosebumps. He said he didn’t have good PR, and that was evident from the fact that we didn’t know how many good songs were sing by him. Many times, we’d ask each other “Oh! He’s sung this too?” Songs he sang included Oh Meri Jaan (Life In A Metro), Aashayein (Iqbal), Zara Si Dil Mein (Jannat), Oh Mehki Hawa (from his debut album Aap Ki Dua), Yaaron (Aap Ki Dua), Tu Hi Meri Shab Hai (Gangster), Koi Kahe Kehta Rahe (Dil Chahta Hai), Awarapan Banjarapan (Jism), Khuda Jaane (Bachna Aye Haseeno), Ek Nazar Mein Bhi (Taxi No. 9211), Zindagi Do Pal Ki (Kites) and more. The ones that drove us nuts the most were Tadap Tadap (HDDCS), Alvida (Life In A Metro) and Pal (he ended the show with this one).

KK’s full name is Krishnakumar Kunnath. He is India’s best singer and unfortunately, also the most under rated. The strength in his voice and his ability to sustain high notes seem out of this world. He effortlessly reaches crazy octaves which mere mortals like us can’t reach even if we scream! Born in Delhi, the secret to his magical voice is merely self practice; he hasn’t learnt music/singing formally from anyone. I’m sure this can be attributed to the 10,000 hour concept – he must have practiced solo for above 10,000 hours to reach this legendary level. He rightly stated (although humorously) “I’ve made a pact with God. He’ll give me good songs to sing, but I must be quiet about it.” He doesn’t blow his trumpet, believes in letting his songs to the talking. Although he’s a very reserved person, he gets into his element very quickly on stage, cheering and jogging from one side to another, breaking into impromptu jigs and getting the audience to clap. Each of the musicians enjoyed themselves as much as he did.

My office friend had told me KK is very punctual and leaves every venue within minutes of the show getting over. He also had shown me where KK would exit from. I went there and waited alone, quietly. As predicted, KK stepped out to leave in his Audi Q7 within 20 minutes. He vigorously shook my hand when requested and almost bear hugged me. As I walked away from his car, I kept trying to digest the fact that my idol had hugged me. Hell, I still can’t come to terms with it! A person with easily the best voice in the country, some of the best songs sung and no airs. Barely any PR, barely hogging any limelight... I’m just ranting. I don’t know what to say. I’m still mesmerized by yesterday.

I’ll leave you with a cameo of that evening’s performance. If you like it, do share. KK deserves much more credit than he gets.



9 comments :

  1. Hi vishal

    I still remember aap ki dua video clearly . He has a very unique and touching voice . I love his songs too :)

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    1. Very true, Jayshree... Thanks for dropping by :)

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  2. KK is a very very good singer.. I love most of his songs yaar.. Apart from this list you mentioned, there's one more I like - 'Dil mein kuch ho raha hai' from a not so known movie - Freaky Chakra..

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  3. I love KK's voice, especially the song Pal, and Yaron. Loved the presentation here :)

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  4. WOW, you were so lucky Vishal to get a big tight handshake! KK is a very soulful singer and one of my favorites too, each of his pieces is a gem, each touching a chord in the heart.

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  5. hey thanks for sharing his full name...m wondering,i nvr tried to know this.
    i am his big fan and specially the song "tadap tadap". It was 2008 i met him and even sung with him in Delhi Medical College with craziest crowd.
    ur post reminded my old dayz of music craziness....

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  6. Thanks, dear ladies and Binu. Yes, he is easily the best current Indian singer... Deserves more credit :)

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  7. Wow!
    KK is just fantastic!! You are so lucky! :D

    P.S.- I recently got to know that you are the captain of Ahmadabad team now!
    I was busy with my exams so was unable to take part in team discussions... moreover presently I am not on FB too... I am in poetry section and would love to be the part of team's success.It would be nice of you if you send me all possible details about how to post ,where to post and review over the final post and all. You can contact me at my mail id- simrankaur606@gmail.com

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