Popular Indian singer Krishnakumar Kunnuth, known as KK, has died suddenly after falling ill during a stage performance.

The 53-year-old was rushed to hospital after collapsing at a hotel in Kolkata in the eastern state of West Bengal.

He suffered from chest pains, according to local media, and was pronounced dead in hospital.

His cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

Narendra Modi, the Indian prime minister, led tributes to the Bollywood star, who made hundreds of songs since the 1990s.

Mr Modi tweeted: “His songs reflected a wide range of emotions as struck a chord with people of all age groups.

“We will always remember him through his songs. Condolences to his family and fans.

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“Om Shanti.”

His death comes two days after the murder of the Punjabi rapper Sidhu Moose Wala, who was shot 24 times while driving on Sunday.

KK was born in New Delhi and recorded songs in Hindi, Tamil and Bengali.

In a memoir on his website, The Mesmerizer, he said: “There is a certain energy an artiste gets when he or she is on stage. No matter what one’s condition is, once I am on stage, I forget everything and simply perform.”

The Bollywood star was behind iconic and classic songs including Dus Bahane, Tadap Tadap, Aankhon Mein Teri, Dola Re Dola and Appadi Podu.

He began his career singing jingles for adverts and later released two albums, Pal (1999) and Humsafar (2008).

KK made his film debut with an A R Rahman soundtrack and his songs were dubbed over films.

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