Fri Jan 10 14:04:35 UTC 2025: ## Legendary Playback Singer P. Jayachandran Passes Away at 80

**Thrissur, Kerala, January 10, 2025** – Renowned playback singer P. Jayachandran, affectionately known as the “Bhava Gayakan” for his emotive singing, passed away on January 9th at the age of 80. The celebrated singer, who had been unwell for some time, collapsed at his residence and was later admitted to a private hospital in Thrissur where he succumbed.

Jayachandran, whose career spanned five decades, left an indelible mark on Indian music, particularly in South India. He recorded over 16,000 songs in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi, earning widespread recognition and numerous accolades. His achievements include a National Film Award for his performance in *Sree Narayana Guru*, five Kerala State Film Awards, two Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, and the Kerala government’s prestigious J.C. Daniel Award.

His musical journey began in high school where he excelled in mridangam and light classical music, even winning first place in the mridangam competition at the 1958 state school kalotsavam. It was at this festival that he met fellow music legend K.J. Yesudas. Throughout his career, he collaborated with numerous iconic composers including G. Devarajan, M.S. Baburaj, Ilaiyaraaja, and A.R. Rahman. His debut film song was “Oru Mullappoo Malayumayi” for the 1965 movie *Kunjali Marakkar*. However, his first released song was “Manjalayil Mungithorthi” from the film *Kalithozhan*.

Beyond his prolific singing career, Jayachandran also acted in several films. He is survived by his wife Lalitha, daughter Lakshmi, and son Dinanathan, who is also a singer. His body will be laid to rest at his ancestral home in Chendamangalam on January 11th following a public viewing.

Tributes poured in from across the state and nation, with Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressing their condolences. The Chief Minister lauded Jayachandran’s contribution to Malayalam music and his ability to connect with audiences across India. Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan described him as one of those rare voices that listeners repeatedly cherish. Jayachandran’s legacy as a beloved and influential singer will undoubtedly continue to resonate for generations to come.

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