Thu Jan 09 17:15:12 UTC 2025: ## Legendary Malayalam Playback Singer P. Jayachandran Passes Away at 80
**Thrissur, Kerala:** Veteran Malayalam playback singer P. Jayachandran passed away at a private hospital in Thrissur on [Date of death – needs to be added], at the age of 80. He had been battling cancer.
Jayachandran, a beloved voice for six decades, was a cornerstone of Malayalam cinema’s musical landscape. His voice graced some of the most memorable songs in the history of Malayalam film music. He was a recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including national and state awards for best playback singer, and four Tamil Nadu State Film Awards. His repertoire spanned over 15,000 songs in Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi.
While his first recording was for the film *Kunjali Marakkar*, his debut song, “Manjalayil Mungi Thorthi,” from the film *Kalithozhan*, launched him to fame. His musical journey began under the tutelage of Ravi Varma Kochchaniyan Thampuran, a renowned musician. Jayachandran’s talents extended beyond singing; he was also proficient in Kathakali, mridangam, chenda, and Chakyarkoothu. He won numerous awards for light music and mridangam playing even during his school years. His 1985 National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer was for the song “Shiva Shankara Sarva Sharanyavibho” from the film *Narayana Guru*, composed by G. Devarajan. He also won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer five times.
He is survived by his wife Lalitha, and children Lakshmi and Dinanath. The funeral will be held on Saturday at the family home in Palayam, Chengamanagalam, Paravur. His passing marks the end of an era in Malayalam cinema, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable melodies.
First Piper 