No one would have thought when KK was performing on stage in Kolkata on the 31st of May that it would be his last performance. Shortly after his concert in Nazrul Manch, the singer allegedly suffered a cardiac arrest and tragically breathed his last at 53 years of age.
To pay tribute to a singer whose songs shaped an entire generation, more than 200 musicians including guitarists and singers arrived in Nandan, a film and cultural centre in Kolkata, and sang KK’s iconic song ‘Pal’ in unison.
The gathering was organised by four individuals – Santanu Naskar, Debjit Pal, Rima Chakrabarty and Sumit Majhi – who told Hindustan Times:
“As a group of singers, we had initially performed at the Botanical Gardens in Kolkata where we got a good response. Since then a lot of people wanted to join us and pay a tribute to KK. While we were planning for a 100-singers, 100-guitarists mass tribute, unexpectedly more than 300 people turned out at Nandan.”
They went on to add that for KK to come to Kolkata and not return was not only heartbreaking but was a shameful incident for the city. So they wanted to also repair the bond between Kolkata and other artists.
“It’s not only to celebrate KK and his evergreen songs but also to repair the bond between Kolkata and artists. KK’s death is not only something unacceptable for the Kolkata fans, but also shameful. He came all the way from Mumbai to perform and never returned home to his family as same. Maybe we failed due to our carelessness, so the initiative is to repent the loss of KK. While we cannot undo it, we want to restore faith in music.”
Here’s a video capturing the incident. Have a look:
KK’s voice was like a warm hug on a gloomy day. It brought people together who could just pick up any of his songs and sing together. Even after his demise, people continue to do the same. And that’s how you know he succeeded as an artist. 🙂