Fri Jan 10 12:24:37 UTC 2025: ## Legendary Malayalam Playback Singer P. Jayachandran Passes Away
**Thrissur, Kerala:** Kerala mourns the loss of renowned playback singer P. Jayachandran, whose voice resonated through generations of Malayalis, accompanying their joys and sorrows. Jayachandran, who had been battling cancer for the past year, passed away at the age of 78 on Thursday evening at a Thrissur hospital. He had been admitted to Amala Hospital last week after his condition worsened, though he had been discharged briefly on Wednesday.
The ambulance carrying his body returned to his home in Poongunnam after a public viewing at the Sangeetha Nataka Akademi hall in Thrissur. His final rites will be held at the Paravur Chendamangalam Paliyam Tharavadu crematorium on Saturday afternoon.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, praising Jayachandran’s life as one blessed with an exceptional voice. Governor, Chief Minister, ministers, the leader of the opposition, and several prominent figures from the film and political spheres also offered their condolences.
Jayachandran, born on March 3, 1944, in Ernakulam, began his career with the song “Mullapoo Maalayumaay…” in the 1965 film *Kunjali Marakkar*. His song “Manjalayil Mungithorthi…” from *Kalithozhan* (1966) propelled him to stardom. Over a five-decade career, he captivated audiences with timeless melodies like “Rajeeva Nayane Niyurangi,” “Kevalam Marthya Bhaasha Kelkkaatha,” “Poove Poove Palappuoove,” “Podi Meeshu Mulaykkaana Praayam,” and “Sharadhaambaram…” amongst many others.
His contributions were widely recognized with numerous awards, including the J.C. Daniel Award (2021), the National Award for Best Male Playback Singer, five Kerala State Film Awards, four Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, the Kalaimamani Award from the Tamil Nadu government, and the Swaralaya Kairali Yesudas Award.
First Piper 