KK’s song Yaaron has been among the most iconic songs on friendship. The evergreen track composed by Leslee Lewis has been on the top of the music list of most of the singer’s fans for over two decades now. Music lovers around the world were shocked and devastated by the singer’s sudden demise on May 31. Now, Leslee has recreated the song with KK’s children, Nakul Krishna Kunnath and Taamara Kunnath, as a tribute to him.

In an exclusive chat, Leslee tells Bombay Times, “More than two decades after we composed the song, I have recreated it with KK’s children Nakul Krishna, Taamara and his band. What made this experience special was that we recorded the song at the same studio, Purple Haze in Bandra, where KK and I had first recorded the original 23 years ago.”

The musician gets emotional as he shares, “Years ago, the day Nakul was born was when I gave KK his first jingle. It was a special moment and a great experience for me to record Yaaron in the same studio with KK’s children. I saw the awe in their eyes as they reminisced all that their father had told them about recording this track, which was his first song with me. I have technically got his children to sing with him because I have retained KK’s lines and made Nakul and Taamara sing along with his voice. It was a magical moment. After KK’s sudden demise, this was the first time that his children came out to record a song.”

Nakul shares, “Recording dad’s song with Leslee uncle meant so much to Taamara and me. Standing there, in that studio, we felt like dad was there with us and that he was watching us. It was a surreal experience for my sister, my mother (Jyothy Krishna) and me.”

On August 23, the family will be organising a special concert in memory of the singer on the occasion of his birthday. “My sister and I wanted to do something special for his birthday, and so we will be singing a few of dad’s songs at this #NeverEndingTribute concert,” shares Nakul. Singers like Shaan, Papon, Benny Dayal, along with Leslee and others will also perform at the concert.

Elaborating on the concert, Nakul says, “We are very excited about the concert and have been rehearsing a lot with dad’s band. This will be a special event where prominent musicians will sing dad’s songs and also share anecdotes and memories of my father. It will be more than just a music concert. We want everyone to know the camaraderie that dad shared with all his colleagues so that everyone remembers him in a positive light.”