KK

Tarap tarap ke is dil se aah nikalti rahi — Yes, I’m suffering a lot….my heart is sighing. Can’t believe that you’ve exited so early from this planet.

You came to our town some three years back at Kanchonnagor. You hit the stage with this signature song: Chod aye hum wo galiyan. Frankly speaking, like the question that now troubles the doubting minds, I did not know then who KK was. The Kanchonnagor Uthsab Committee in its multiple hoardings banners and festoons that almost covered the entire Burdwan had touted KK as their sole attraction among a horde of artists.

The first four notes of Chod aye hum amply told me who KK was. For more than two hours he sang with immaculate note-making and high-octane energy. Sitting on sofa I kept myself glued to local transmission of KK’s performance on TV. It was unbelievable how he could reach any note that his song demanded while doing some fastest body movements on the stage. Never the voice quavered. Never the note hopelessly ran all over the place even for a moment. The power-packed programme came to a close at 10.30. The people left the programme ground getting sodden in melody.

At Nazrul Manch KK died when he succumbed to massive heart attack minutes after the completion of programme. During the programme he let his discomfort known to the audiences. None paid heed. KK kept on going as a professional artist was expected to do. A professional performer gives his all in sync with his commitment. He never gives up. So KK carried on his singing, frequently helping himself with a glass of water and mopping his sweat-ridden body with a towel.

KK ended his programme; and in a way his life ended its journey. Chod aye hum wo galiyan… is now wafting all about us, particularly the people of kanchannagor who braved the inclement weather to listen to him three years back.

Rest in peace KK. Yes, all your riyaz to keep your voice fit, all your exercises to keep your body fit have come to naught. But don’t forget the love of millions you get from your fans across the world. Just forget those who question your ability. To get a measure of your talent, one has to reach that level. It’s not possible for all for some reason. Forgive them.