Shilpa Rao on singer KK’s demise: The last time I saw him, I hugged him for two minutes straight – Times of India

The passing away of KK has shocked the entire music industry. You have had a chance to work with the ace singer…
I was fortunate enough to perform with him when I was starting out as a musician. It was an absolute honour to share the stage with him and sing ‘Khuda Jaane’.

Tell us about the time when you first met him.
I had the opportunity to open for his concerts and it was quite a learning experience watching him perform. When I first met him, it was after ‘Khuda Jaane’ and we sang the song live together and he was one of the most supportive people I ever met. I was new and still trying to learn how to perform and he was very supportive. He was very casual and it never felt like it was coming from a senior. I will always remember that about him.

Were you in touch with the singer? When was the last time you spoke to him?
He was a very private person. You would see him very less in social gatherings. I met him 10 days ago in a concert and I remember hugging him for a whole two minutes straight. It was so good to see him. That was the last time I spoke to him.

We all know him as a very talented singer. How would you describe him as an individual?
He was one person we all should learn from. He was a very dedicated musician and a dedicated family man. I remember whenever we used to be on a tour, he would always have a plan with his family and he is very dedicated towards that too.

Apart from ‘Khuda Jaane’, one song of KK that is your absolute favourite?
There is one song which is one of the very rare gems ‘Awaarapan Banjarapan’ and it’s one of my most favourite songs sung by KK.