KK fans in B’luru rue March miss

Falah Faisal | NT
Bengaluru

Music lovers are yet to come to terms with the news of KK’s death and eulogies are pouring in for the accomplished singer. Music buffs of the 90s called it the end of their childhood since his songs were integral to them growing up and numerous memories associated with them like graduations, first love, and friendship.

What is even sadder is that, for those who wanted to see him perform live, this will always remain an unfulfilled dream. Especially since his last public concert in the city was cancelled in March. He was supposed to perform at the Indian Premier League franchise Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) event to announce Faf Du Pleiss as the new team captain. But when the crowd turned unruly the show was called off.

One of the attendees said, “They had set up a stage on Church Street where he was supposed to perform but then people jumped the barricades and things got out of hand. So the show had to be called off. But according to some sources, he did perform for a private audience inside the RCB Bar.”
Prasad Bidapa, one of Bengaluru’s most-renowned fashion stylists, was one of those who attended the private event. Speaking to News Trail about it, he said, “It was a small and intimate audience. And it was the first time I met him and told him how big a fan I am. He was very humble and warm, always approachable. It is a pity that it also happened to be the last time.”

Ali Khan Roomani, a lyricist and music composer, who had organised almost eight concerts with KK, said “I’m still in a state of shock and processing the information, playing back memories we had together. I heard about the incident almost 5 minutes after it happened.”

“He supported new talent a lot and commended me when I organised the first-ever concert with him in Raipur. He always wanted to be close to the audience and feel their energy. He always asked organisers to not put barricades between him and the audience and didn’t like it when it was just VIPs sitting in the front row. He was one person who connected with the whole country. It’s one of those rare occasions where a performer sang to his last breath. He was truly one of India’s greatest musical sons,” he added.

Roomani had actually composed a song for KK which they were never able to record because KK was busy launching his daughter at the time. But Roomani says he will dedicate the song to him.