Renowned Malayalam playback singer P. Jayachandran, affectionately known as the "Bhava Gayakan" (expression singer), passed away on January 9, 2025, at the age of 80. He breathed his last at Amala Hospital in Thrissur, Kerala, where he was undergoing treatment for cancer.
Born on March 3, 1944, in Ravipuram, Kochi, Jayachandran's family later relocated to Irinjalakuda in Thrissur district. His father, Ravivarma Kochaniyan Thampuran, was a member of the Cochin royal family, and his mother, Subhadrakkunjamma, nurtured his early interest in music. Jayachandran's musical journey began during his school years at National High School, Irinjalakuda, where he excelled in mridangam and light music, securing prizes at state youth festivals. He furthered his education by obtaining a degree in Zoology from Christ College, Irinjalakuda.
In 1965, Jayachandran made his playback singing debut with the song "Oru Mullappoomalayumayi" for the film "Kunjali Marakkar," composed by Chidambaranath and penned by P. Bhaskaran. However, it was the 1967 song "Manjalayil Mungithorthi" from the film "Kalithozhan," composed by G. Devarajan, that catapulted him to fame. This song marked the beginning of a prolific career spanning nearly six decades, during which he lent his voice to over 15,000 songs across Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi languages.
Jayachandran's collaborations with legendary composers such as G. Devarajan, M. S. Baburaj, V. Dakshinamoorthy, Ilaiyaraaja, and A. R. Rahman resulted in numerous evergreen melodies. His emotive singing earned him the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer in 1986 for the song "Sivasankara Sarva Saranya Vibho." Additionally, he received the Kerala State Film Award for Best Singer five times and was honored with the Tamil Nadu State Film Award twice. In 2020, he was bestowed with the prestigious J. C. Daniel Award, the highest honor in Malayalam cinema, recognizing his outstanding contributions to the industry.
Some of his most memorable Malayalam songs include "Neelagiriyude Sakhikale" from "Pani Theeratha Veedu," "Madhuchandrikayude" from "Anachadanam," and "Anuragagaanam Pole" from "Udhyogastha." In Tamil cinema, his hits like "Poova Eduthu Oru Maalai" from "Amman Kovil Kizhakale" and "Kodiyile Malliyapoo" from "Kadalora Kavithaigal" remain classics. His versatility and ability to convey deep emotions through his singing endeared him to millions of fans across generations.
Beyond his singing career, Jayachandran also appeared in a few films, including "Nakhakshathangal" and "Trivandrum Lodge," showcasing his versatility as an artist. His contributions to the music industry were not limited to playback singing; he was also known for his stage performances and devotion to classical music traditions.
Jayachandran is survived by his wife, Lalitha, whom he married in 1973, and their two children, Lakshmi and Dinanath. His son, Dinanath, has followed in his father's footsteps, contributing to the music industry as a singer.
The news of Jayachandran's passing has left a void in the Indian music industry. Tributes have poured in from fans, fellow musicians, and political leaders, all mourning the loss of a legendary artist whose music transcended linguistic and cultural barriers. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed his condolences, stating that Jayachandran's demise is an irreparable loss to the world of music and that his soulful songs will continue to resonate in the hearts of people.
As the music fraternity and fans bid farewell to P. Jayachandran, his legacy endures through the timeless melodies he gifted to the world. His unique ability to infuse emotion into every note ensures that his songs will continue to inspire and move listeners for generations to come.
Who was P. Jayachandran?
P. Jayachandran was an Indian playback singer renowned for his work in Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi cinema. Born on March 3, 1944, in Kochi, Kerala, he began his musical journey during his school years and made his playback singing debut in 1965. Over his career, he lent his voice to over 15,000 songs, earning accolades including a National Film Award and multiple state awards. He passed away on January 9, 2025, at the age of 80.
What are some of P. Jayachandran's most famous songs?
Jayachandran's repertoire includes numerous timeless classics. Notable Malayalam songs include:
- "Neelagiriyude Sakhikale" from *Pani Theeratha Veedu*
- "Madhuchandrikayude" from *Anachadanam*
- "Anuragagaanam Pole" from *Udhyogastha*
In Tamil cinema, his hits include:
- "Poova Eduthu Oru Maalai" from *Amman Kovil Kizhakale*
- "Kodiyile Malliyapoo" from *Kadalora Kavithaigal*
What awards did P. Jayachandran receive during his career?
Throughout his illustrious career, Jayachandran received several prestigious awards, including:
- **National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer** in 1986 for the song "Sivasankara Sarva Saranya Vibho" from the film *Sree Narayana Guru*.
- **Kerala State Film Award for Best Singer** five times.
- **Tamil Nadu State Film Award** twice.
- In 2020, he was honored with the **J. C. Daniel Award**, the highest award in Malayalam cinema, for his outstanding contributions to the industry.
What was P. Jayachandran's relationship with K. J. Yesudas?
P. Jayachandran and K. J. Yesudas were contemporaries in the South Indian music industry, both achieving significant acclaim. They first met in 1958 during a state youth festival, where Yesudas won the Best Classical Singer award, and Jayachandran won the Best Mridangist award. Their voices bore similarities, leading to occasional confusion among listeners. Despite this, both carved out distinct identities and enjoyed successful careers.
Did P. Jayachandran have any family members in the music industry?
Yes, P. Jayachandran's son, Dinanath, followed in his father's footsteps and contributed to the music industry as a singer. Jayachandran married Lalitha in 1973, and they had two children: a daughter named Lakshmi and a son named Dinanath.
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