KK was only 53 when he died on May 31, 2022. Subhash K Jha picks the singer's timeless songs.
Tadap Tadap from Hum Dil Chuke Sanam
'When Composer Ismail Durbar came to me with Tadap Tadap, it was in KK's voice,' says Sanjay Leela Bhansali.
"My first response was, 'What a voice!'"
"I told Ismail I loved the song and the voice must remain."
Jab Bhi Koi Haseena from Hera Pheri
KK's lighter songs were as intricate as his serious songs.
This flirtatious tune composed by Anu Malik suited Akshay Kumar in the 2000 film.
Banda Bindaas Hai from Aks
In Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's Aks, KK had two songs: The eerie duet Aaja Gufaon Mein Aa with Vasundhara Das and the solo Banda Bindaas.
'His vocal range was staggering,' Mehra exclaimed.
Mujhe Kucch Kehna Hai Title Song
Director Satish Kaushik once said, 'I would put KK among the singing greats like Mohammed Rafi, Kishore Kumar and Mukesh.'
Chhal Title Song
Actor Kay Kay Menon and Singer KK thrilled in the title song, composed by Viju Shah, for Hansal Mehta's crime saga.
Awaarapan Banjarapan from Jism
Composer M M Kreem said of KK, "He was one of those rare singers who made the tune and lyrics his own."
Jaane Kisske Khwab from Guzaarish
KK was a method singer.
When he learnt that the hero of Guzaarish was paraplegic, KK insisted on singing the Sanjay Leela Bhansali composition sitting.