Bengali singer Rupankar draws huge criticism over ‘Who is KK?’ remark; he clarifies

June 1: Bengali singer Rupankar Bagchi, has invited the wrath of netizens for passing “disrespectful” remarks about the deceased singer Krishnakumar Kunnath, better known by his stage name, KK. Unfortunately, on May 31, 2022, the most loved singer KK left for his heavenly abode, leaving a void in the hearts of his million fans. KK had gone to perform a live concert in Kolkata’s Nazrul Mancha. And after a few hours of his performance, he had started to feel uneasy. On reaching his hotel room, the singer had collapsed. Hence, KK was rushed to a hospital. He was, however, found dead on arrival. 

On Tuesday evening, hours before KK’s demise, Rupankar had said in a video, “We all perform better than him?” In the volatile Facebook video, an agitated Rupankar, after calling KK “a wonderful singer,” went on to say that regional Bengali artists perform better than him.”

Rupankar said, “I got to know through Facebook that the one and only KK was in Kolkata for a show and there has been a lot of excitement about it. I have seen videos of mine, Anupam Roy, Somata, Emaan Chakraborty, Ujjaini Mukherjee, Cactus, Fossils, Rupam Islam and others. I think we all sing better than KK.” Also targeting audiences, he asked, “Why don’t you feel the same way about us? You all are speaking about KK…Who is this KK man? Why do you not get excited about us? What is the reason?”

As soon as netizens watched the video of Rupankar, they started bashing him for speaking ill words for the late singer. A section of society called him ‘jealous’ and commented that they no longer respect Rupankar for saying rude words for KK when the nation had already lost a star. Soon after he went live and the news of KK’s demise surfaced, actress Rupanjan Mitra reacted angrily on Twitter, “Shame on you Rupankar Bagchi. First, get over your narrow-minded attitude and then only you compare yourself with KK. You lost your mind after receiving the national award. First, be a good human being. KK has won our hearts through his singing talent. You have no right to demean him. I am hurt by your statements,”

Social media platforms were flooded with severe reactions against Rupankar. He on Wednesday clarified after criticism over his Facebook live, recorded a day before KK’s death, wherein he claimed West Bengal has better singers. “KK, KK…who’s KK?” he had said. “What I meant to say…was people of…Bengal…must be more proud of Bengali…songs. I spoke in favour of retaining our culture,” he stated and said KK was a great singer. Rupankar, while reacting in the wake of KK’s sudden demise, has clarified that his comments have been misinterpreted and he did not intend to hurt anyone.