K.K.

From the whimsical `Awarapan Banjarapan` number in Jism to the frisky Ding Dong song in Kucch To Hai, Krishna Kumar Menon or KK (as he is popularly known) has proved he can bring a wide and diverse variety of moods and emotions into his vocals. Krishan Kumar Menon was born on 23rd of August at Trichur, Kerala. He did his primary education in Mt Saint Mary , Delhi. Starting out early at school, he went on to win accolades at every annual event. Like any other kid of his generation, growing up meant being surrounded with sound influences of the times. Pink Floyd, Extreme, Sting, Billy Joel, Guns `N` Roses, Deep Purple and Jethro Tull were some of his earliest influencers. At different stages, KK took to singing with different bands. He was the lead vocalist for three different college bands. He sang everything from "Everything I Do, I Do It For You ..."to Mr Big`s "Just Take My Heart".

After graduating from Kirori Mal College Delhi University, KK dabbled with a few "normal" 9 to 5 jobs. He was quick to realise that this was not his scene. It had to be singing or nothing. Soon, KK began participating in various forums where he could showcase his singing abilities. After a while, it dawned on him that to have a lucrative singing career one had to be in the thick of things--where the action is. That is how KK landed in Mumbai. The Mecca of advertising, Mumbai, opened up new vistas for KK. The ad fraternity did not lose time in recognising talent.

However, the road to success has not been a smooth one for this Delhi-based singer who came to Mumbai a few years ago. The first few years in Mumbai were frustrating as he drew a blank in all my attempts to break into the film circuit. Finally, he got a call to sing a one-minute jingle for Leslie Lewis for UTV which kick-started his career. Till date KK has recorded in 8 Indian languages. Some of his wellknown and memorable jingles include Monte Carlo, Sunny Bajaj, TVS Scooty, Asian Paints, Coca Cola, Jumpin`, Yo Frooti, Colgate Gel, CloseUp, Cinthol, Amul Cheese , Pepsi `Yeh Dil Mange More` and many more. And thats what he grew famous for prior to his national Indipop release.

Once KK had established himself in the ad circuit, commercial films weren`t far behind. He got lucky breaks with stalwarts like A R Rahman, Gulzar and Shekar Kapur.KK has recorded some breathtaking tracks for films. Title tracks for a few TV serials like Just Mohabbat and Hip Hip Hurray have also been sung by him.

KK`s forte is pop and rock ballads and is known for his live performances. He genuinely feels that there is a lot of interactive energy that flows when the audience reacts to his music and singing--altogether another "high", so to say. He hopes to do many live concerts in the future with his four member band . His greatest dream of cutting his own album also came true with `Pal`. It was the result of many months of painstaking effort and studio time. The album was produced by Lezz, who also happens to be KK`s friend, philosopher and guide; and Mehboob penned the lyrics. All the tracks have been sung by KK.

Today, KK is one of the hottest names in the ad world. He claims he isn`t part of the jet-set-mustsee brigade ,No discos,no parties. KK loves to chill out in his cosy apartment at Yari Road with wife Jyoti and his two kids. "Jyoti is a pillar of strength and the sunshine factor in my life," he says. KK lives a low profile life in spite of being much in demand today. He still speaks in chaste Malayalam, remembers the sights and sounds of downtown Kerala and believes the best way to draw inspiration for emotions is to look at the poverty and people around us. It`s an attitude that`s certainly paying rich dividends on the work front. Shows, albums and of course, playback singing - it`s all happening for him now.