Fri Jan 10 06:34:24 UTC 2025: ## Legendary Playback Singer P. Jayachandran Passes Away at 80

**Thrissur, Kerala –** Renowned playback singer P. Jayachandran, affectionately known as the “Bhava Gayakan” (emotion singer) for his soulful renditions, passed away at the age of 80 on Thursday evening. He collapsed at his residence and died at a private hospital in Thrissur around 7:55 pm, hospital sources confirmed. Jayachandran had been unwell for some time.

With a career spanning over five decades, Jayachandran recorded over 16,000 songs in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. Many of his songs, particularly those from the 1970s and 80s, remain evergreen classics. His contributions to South Indian cinema were immense, earning him a National Award for Best Male Playback Singer in 1986, the J.C. Daniel Award in 2020, five Kerala State Film Awards, and two Tamil Nadu State Film Awards.

His musical journey began early, winning prizes for light music and mridangam (a percussion instrument) at the state school youth festival in 1958. After a degree in Zoology, he began his singing career in 1966 with the Malayalam film *Kalithozhan*. His debut song, “Manjalayil Mungi thorthi,” remains a beloved hit. He went on to collaborate with leading composers and lyricists across South India, achieving widespread recognition with songs like “Raasaathi unna” from the 1984 Tamil film *Vaidehi Kaathirunal*.

Jayachandran is survived by his wife Lalitha, daughter Lakshmi, and son Dinanathan, who is also a singer. His funeral arrangements are pending.

Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed their condolences, praising Jayachandran’s lasting impact on the world of music. The Chief Minister described his passing as the end of a melodic wonder that captivated generations.

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