Voice that touched millions of hearts; Bhava Gayakan P Jayachandran passes away

THRISSUR: P Jayachandran, who graced the Malayalam music landscape with his soulful and melodious voice, has bid farewell, leaving a void in the world of music. He passed away yesterday at 7:54 PM at the age of 80. He was undergoing treatment for liver-related ailments at Amala Hospital for over a week. Although he had been discharged briefly, his condition worsened, and he collapsed at home yesterday. He was rushed back to the hospital, but efforts to save him were unsuccessful. His wife and children were by his side at the time of his passing. Jayachandran resided at the Gulmohar Flat in Poonkunnam, Thrissur.

His body will be brought to his residence this morning and will be kept for public homage at the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy until 12:30 PM. The funeral will be held tomorrow at 3:30 PM at Chendamangalam Paliyath Cemetery, Paravur.

Born on March 3, 1944, in Ravipuram, Ernakulam, Jayachandran was the third of five children of Ravi Varma Kochaniyan Thampuran and Paliyath Subhadra Kunjamma. He won first prize in Mridangam and second price in light music in the second School Youth Festival held in Thiruvananthapuram in 1958. It was KJ Yesudas who claimed the top position in both light and classical music that year.

After earning a degree in Zoology from Christ College, Irinjalakuda, Jayachandran worked for a private company in Madras. However, after gaining a reputation as a playback singer, he left his job to focus entirely on music. He is survived by his wife Lalitha, daughter Lakshmi, and son Dhinanath.

Timeless light music numbers

Jayachandran's rendition of timeless light music numbers like Onnini Shruthithazthi Paaduka Poonguyile, Jayadeva Kaviyude Geethikal Ketente Radhe, and Smruthithan Chirakileri Njanen remain etched in the hearts of Malayalis. The album song Onninumallathe Enthino Thonniyorishtam is also equally cherished.

Over 15,000 Songs
Jayachandran sang more than 15,000 songs across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. He won the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer once and the Kerala State Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer five times. Additionally, he was honoured with the Kerala Government's JC Daniel Award, Tamil Nadu's Kalaimamani title, and the Tamil Nadu State Government's Best Playback Singer award four times.

His National Award-winning song Shivashankara Sarva Sharanya Vibho was from the 1986 film Sree Narayana Guru. Jayachandran's music, which transcended languages and generations, remains immortal in the hearts of his admirers.