Exclusive- RP Patnaik recalls working with KK for his first Telugu song 'Neekosame': He refused to move on until I was 100% satisfied; incredible dedication and hard work

Renowned playback singer-musician Krishnakumar Kunnath (KK), aged 54, passed away reportedly due to cardiac arrest after a concert in Kolkata on Tuesday night. The nation hasn't come to terms with the untimely demise of the phenomenal singer.
KK made his presence felt in Telugu entertainment industry with his first song Neekosame in the 2001 Telugu film Nuvvu Nenu. The song and the film's album composed by RP Patnaik, who judged Telugu TV shows like Black and Super Singer, was a sensational hit back then.
Talking exclusively to ETimes TV, RP Patnaik mourned the demise of KK. Recalling his memories of recording KK's first Telugu song, RP Patnaik said, "We felt KK's voice would suit Neekosame for the nature of the song it is. Moreover, I just loved his 'Tadap Tadap' in Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. It was a super hit too. So, we wanted him for Neekosame and it was a huge hit as well."
Talking more about KK and the song, RP said, "His dedication and hardwork were just incredible. He recorded the song for nearly five and a half hours. Since it was his first song in Telugu, he was very particular about his diction. He wanted it to sound like a proper Telugu guy singing. He refused to move on to the next line until I was completely satisfied. I know KK puts in the same effort and devotion for every song he sings."
Sharing his thoughts on KK's untimely demise, RP said, "He was a hale and healthy man to the best of our knowledge. I can't comment on his face injuries that are being talked-about. Because he is a man whom even his worst enemy can't resist smiling at. But his untimely demise makes me think about the post COVID-19 complications that are to be studied further. The medication, vaccine, and post COVID-19 side effects must be thoroughly studied."
He adds, "There may not be any foolproof precautions that we as musicians and singers can take. We just have to move on. Perhaps a good clinical research on ailments in this post COVID-19 era can help us understand what is actually going wrong behind our plain sight."
On this note, RP recalled his last meeting with KK. "We met in Mookambika Temple, Karnataka, and I didn't know it would be the last time. He was pleasantly surprised to see me there. He asked, 'Hey RP, how come you are here?' and I told him it was a family trip. I know everyone would say this after his/her death but KK was such a warm and good human being."