Renowned playback singer P Jayachandran, affectionately called 'Bhava Gayakan,' passed away on the evening of January 9, 2025, at a private medical college in Kerala. The singer, who was undergoing treatment, died at approximately 7:55 PM, according to hospital sources as reported by PTI. Jayachandran was rushed to the hospital after collapsing at his home earlier that day. He had been unwell for a considerable period.
Who was P Jayachandran?
P Jayachandran, a legendary figure in Indian music, recorded over 16,000 songs across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi languages. His contributions to Indian music earned him widespread acclaim, along with numerous accolades, including multiple state and national awards for best playback singer. He was celebrated for his ability to convey deep emotion through his voice, which earned him the title 'Bhava Gayakan,' meaning the 'Singer of Emotions.'
Born on March 3, 1944, in Ernakulam, Kerala, Jayachandran was the third son of Ravi Varma Kochaniyan Thampuran of the Tripunithura Kovilakam and Subhadra Kunjamma of the Chendamangalam Paliam House. From a young age, he showed immense talent and passion for music, which would eventually lead him to become one of India’s most beloved playback singers.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Jayachandran's musical journey began in high school, where he displayed a keen interest in both vocal and instrumental music. He was particularly adept at playing the mridangam and singing light classical music. In 1958, he won first place in the mridangam competition at the state school kalotsavam, an early indication of his artistic prowess.
After completing his graduation in Zoology from Christ College, Irinjalakuda, Jayachandran briefly worked at a private firm in Chennai. During this time, his life took a pivotal turn when he was noticed by producer Sobhana Parameswaran Nair and director A Vincent during a musical performance in Chennai. Recognising his extraordinary talent, they offered him the opportunity to sing in a film.
Entry into Playback Singing
Jayachandran made his playback singing debut in 1965 with the song ‘Oru Mullappoo Malayumayi’ for the movie Kunjali Marakkar. The song, penned by the eminent lyricist P Bhaskaran and set to music by composer MS Baburaj, became a massive hit and marked the beginning of his illustrious career. However, his first released song was ‘Manjalayil Mungithorthi’ from the film Kalithozhan.
Over the decades, Jayachandran’s melodious voice and remarkable versatility won him fans across generations. His songs often became chartbusters, and his ability to adapt to different genres made him a favourite among composers and audiences alike.
Major Achievements and Collaborations
P Jayachandran won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Playback Singer five times and the Tamil Nadu State Film Award twice, solidifying his reputation as a musical genius. His performance of ‘Shiva Shankara Sharana Sarva Vibho’ from the film Sree Narayana Guru earned him the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer, a crowning achievement in his career.
Jayachandran collaborated with some of the greatest composers in Indian music, including G Devarajan, MS Baburaj, V Dakshinamoorthy, K Raghavan, MK Arjunan, MS Viswanathan, Ilaiyaraaja, AR Rahman, Vidyasagar, and M Jayachandran. Each collaboration brought out unique facets of his voice, enriching the musical landscape of Indian cinema.
Personal Life and Legacy
Despite his towering achievements, Jayachandran remained a humble and grounded individual. His ability to connect with listeners on an emotional level was not just a testament to his musical talent but also to his profound understanding of human emotions. His voice became synonymous with timeless melodies that continue to resonate with audiences even today.
Jayachandran’s influence extended beyond playback singing. He was also a mentor and inspiration to many budding artists, who looked up to him for guidance and motivation. His contributions to Indian music have left an indelible mark on the industry, ensuring that his legacy will endure for generations to come.
Final Journey
As per PTI reports, Jayachandran’s body will be brought to his residence at Poomkunnam, Thrissur, on Friday for the public to pay their last respects. It will be laid at the Sahitya Academy Hall, where fans and admirers can bid a final farewell to the musical legend. The funeral will take place at 3 PM on Saturday at his ancestral home in Chendamangalam.
Tributes Pour In
The news of P Jayachandran’s passing has sent shockwaves across the nation, with tributes pouring in from fans, fellow musicians, and political leaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, saying, “Pained by the passing of Shri P Jayachandran Ji. His soulful voice and timeless songs touched millions of hearts. My thoughts are with his family and admirers during this difficult time.”
Several prominent figures from the music and film industry also took to social media to honour the late singer. Composer Ilaiyaraaja, who worked extensively with Jayachandran, called him “a voice of unparalleled beauty” and said, "His music will live on forever.”
Malayalam superstar Mohanlal shared an emotional note, stating, “We have lost a true gem of Indian music. P Jayachandran Sir’s songs have been a part of our lives, bringing joy, solace, and inspiration.”
Conclusion
The passing of P Jayachandran marks the end of an era in Indian music. His unparalleled contribution to the industry and his ability to convey profound emotions through his songs have cemented his place as one of the greatest playback singers of all time. As fans and admirers mourn his loss, his timeless melodies will continue to keep his memory alive.
Jayachandran’s life and career are a testament to the transformative power of music. From humble beginnings in Ernakulam to becoming a celebrated icon, his journey inspires countless individuals to pursue their passions and leave a lasting impact on the world. The world of music has lost a true legend, but his voice will resonate forever in the hearts of millions.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
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