Renowned playback singer P Jayachandran passed away on January 9 at the age of 80. With a career lasting over sixty years, Jayachandran performed more than 16,000 songs and passed away while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Thrissur.
He was receiving treatment for age-related issues at Amala Hospital in the Thrissur district.
“On Wednesday, he was released from the hospital due to his improved condition. However, he fell at his residence on Thursday night and was quickly taken back to the hospital. He took his last breath at 7:54 PM,” stated the spokesperson of Amala Medical College Hospital.
Jayachandran was affectionately known as ‘Bhava Gayakan’
Affectionately known as the Bhava Gayakan (Singer of Emotions), Jayachandran has created an impressive legacy in Indian music.
Famed for his heartfelt and expressive voice, he enchanted audiences through the years by contributing his singing talents to songs in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi.
His talent for stirring profound feelings with his singing secured him a unique position in the hearts of music enthusiasts and earned him various honors, such as the National Film Award for Best Playback Singer, five Kerala State Film Awards, four Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, the JC Daniel Award from the Government of Kerala, and the Kalaimamani Award from the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Also read: Explained: What led to the Los Angeles Wildfires?
Jayachandran’s work in film and devotional music is enduring, establishing him as one of the most cherished voices in the history of Indian playback. He is survived by his spouse, Lalitha, daughter Lakshmi, and son Dinanathan.
A brief biography
Jayachandran was born on March 3, 1944, in Kochi to Ravivarma Kochaniyan Thampuran and Paliyath Subhrakunjamma; his family subsequently relocated to Irinjalakuda.
A zoology graduate from the renowned Christ College in Irinjalakuda, Jayachandran was employed at a private firm in Chennai when producer Sobhana Parameswaran Nair and talented cinematographer/director A. Vincent noticed his singing at an event. He received his first opportunity in the 1965 movie Kunjali Marikkar, which was shot by Vincent, but the film was released only in 1967.
