Farewell KK, Thank You For Teaching Us The Meaning Of Love And Yaari

Popular singer KK died on May 31, 2022, shortly after performing at a live event in Kolkata. He had sung a song for every emotion of our lives. But today I want to focus on some of his songs that were like anthems for any school or college farewell parties. A big part of my youth, and that of many others, was shaped by KK's melodious songs.

“Pyaar Ke Pal” was his last song at the live- concert, shortly after which he collapsed at the hotel where he was staying and declared dead on arrival at a Kolkata-based hospital. His passing has not only stunned the singer's fans but has also drawn curtains on a beautiful era in Indian music, as many pointed out on social media. One of his fans tweeted, “Every important memory of my life has a KK song for a background track. Some memories are forgotten but the song still manages to invoke what I felt at the moment. Its like the end of a generation.” However, it is this tweet that sums up what KK aka Krishnakumar Kunnath stood for a generation, “The 90s kid inside me is completely dead now. I know I am. #KK was part of everyone’s farewell, first love and first heartbreak. Most of us lost a big part of our life today. Very hard to believe. Cheers to you, you beautiful soul. Rest easy now.”

KK's song "Pyaar Ke Pal", my personal favourite, is an emotion, it's like a friend who understands what estrangement means. There can be no dry eyes when this song is played during farewell parties in school or college even today.

Suggested Reading: Pyaar Ke Pal: How Songs By KK Tugged At Our Hearts And Defined Music For A Generation

Tribute to KK

“Hum Rahe Ya Na Rahe Kal, Kal Yaad Aayenge Yeh Pal. Pal Yeh Hain Pyaar Ke Pal Chal Aa Mere Sang Chal. Chal soche kya chhoti si hai zindagi, kal mil jaaye to hogi khushnaseebi” The lyrics seem like philosophy for young minds. At an age when friends are one’s life, who come before family and are one’s secret keepers, this song is everything. “Shaam Ka Aanchal Odhke Aayi Dekho Voh Raat Suhaani Aa Likh De Hum Donon Milke Apni Yeh Prem Kahaani. Hum Rahe Ya Na Rahe Yaad Aayenge Yeh Pal. Aane Waali Subha Jaane Rang Kya Laaye Deewaani. Meri Chaahat Ko Rakh Lena Jaise Koi Nishaani," the lyrics further go. Urging a friend before parting for that one last dance or walk before entering the arena of life. When perspectives will change, priorities will change and so will the meaning of life.

KK during his last concert. Picture Credit: NDTV.

As a social media user writes, “KK songs take me back to my school days! We lived through his songs. We shaped our life sometimes inside our mind listening to his voice talk to us. From “Yaaron” to “Pyar Ke Pal”. We can recite his songs even today by heart. KK leaves us forever. Lekin, Kal Yaad Aayenge Yeh Pal.”

Suggested Reading: Late Singer KK Had Revealed Reaching A "Dead-end" To His Wife Jyothy

Another song by KK that I am absolutely in love with is “Yaaron" from the film Rockford. The song talks about friendship, about what life will be without friends. “Koi To Dilbar Ho Yaar Jisko Tujhse Ho Pyaar, Koi To Dilbar Ho Yaar, Teri Har Ke Buraai Pe Daante Woh Dost Gam Ki Ho Dhoop To Saaya Bane Tera Woh Dost, Naache Bhi Woh Teri Khushi Main Aree Yaaron Dosti Badi Hi Haseen Hai.” After all who are friends? Those who will love you unconditionally, also point out your shortcomings and yet be by your side always. No wonder youngsters love this song. “Tan Mann Kar Tujhpe Fida, Mehboob Who Palkon Pe Jo Rakhe Tujhe, Mehboob Who Jiski Vafa Tere Liye Ho.” We all need that friend who will be loyal and devoted to you always. Songs like these are important reminders that friendships cemented during our youth last a lifetime.

Then there is this lesser known peppy song “College ke saathi” that KK sung along with Aslam Mustafa and Hariharan, for the film Duniya Dilwalon Ki. This album was was composed by AR Rahman, but strangely, it never got the due that it deserved. His song "Alvida" from Life in a... Metro is timeless, ageless and undoubtedly one of the most heart-touching ones of all time and yet another favourite for farewell parties. Who knew, we would remember this this song one day to bid adieu to the very voice behind this song.

KK's songs preserve a part of our youth that was brimming with hope, innocence and sunshine. Falling in love for the first time, making new friends and parting ways with the old ones, quarrelling with canteen manager over stale samosas, saving up to buy that Valentine's Day gift for our special someone. Every now and then we open the treasure trove of memories from our youth. It fills us with sadness and longing sometimes and brings a smile to our lips on other days. Let us remember KK and his songs just that way.

RIP Voice of youth.

Views expressed are the author's own.