Thu Jan 09 20:10:23 UTC 2025: **Legendary Playback Singer P. Jayachandran Passes Away at 80**
THRISSUR, KERALA – Renowned Malayalam playback singer P. Jayachandran passed away at the age of 80 on January 9, 2025, at Amala Hospital in Thrissur. He had been battling cancer for a prolonged period and reportedly collapsed at home before being rushed to the hospital, where he passed away at 7:54 PM.
Jayachandran, whose career spanned over six decades, was a beloved figure in the Malayalam film industry. His voice, known for its emotive quality, graced over 16,000 songs in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. His repertoire included a wide range of songs, encompassing romantic ballads, melancholic tunes, and devotional hymns.
He received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer, five Kerala State Film Awards, the Kerala government’s J.C. Daniel Award, the Tamil Nadu government’s Kalaimamani award, and four Tamil Nadu State Awards.
Born on March 3, 1944, in Ernakulam, Jayachandran was the third son of Ravi Varma Kochchaniyan Thampuran of Tripunithura Kovilakam and Subhadrakunjamma of Chendamangalam Paliyam Tharavadu. His musical journey began early, learning chenda and mridangam in his youth, inheriting his passion for music from his father. He even won first place in mridangam and second place in light music at the first state school youth festival.
His film career started in 1965 with the song “Oru Mullapoo Maalayumaayi” in the film *Kunjalimarakkar*. Though the film’s release was delayed, his performance caught the attention of G. Devarajan, leading to his breakthrough song “Manjalayil Mungi Thorathi” in *Kalithozhan*. This song is considered one of the greatest hits in Malayalam cinema.
Jayachandran is survived by his wife Lalitha, daughter Lakshmi, and son Dinanathan, who is also a singer. He will be remembered as one of the most influential and beloved voices in the history of Malayalam cinema. His legacy of memorable songs such as “Neelagiriyude Sakhikal”, “Swarnagopura Narthakhi Shilpam”, and many others, will continue to resonate with generations of listeners.
First Piper 