Fri Jan 10 22:01:10 UTC 2025: **Legendary Malayalam Playback Singer P. Jayachandran Passes Away at 80**

Thrissur, Kerala – Renowned Malayalam playback singer P. Jayachandran passed away on Thursday night at the age of 80, leaving behind a legacy of over 16,000 songs spanning six decades. He had been battling a liver ailment and succumbed at Amala Hospital in Thrissur.

Thousands gathered on Friday to pay their respects at the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi hall in Thrissur, where his body was kept for public viewing. Prominent figures from the fields of politics, cinema, and arts, including Ministers K. Rajan and R. Bindu, former Minister V.S. Sunil Kumar, and several acclaimed actors and filmmakers, offered their condolences.

Jayachandran’s career, which began in 1965, saw him collaborate with legendary music directors and leave an indelible mark on Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi cinema. His soulful renditions, known for their emotional depth, resonated with audiences across generations. He was a recipient of numerous awards, including national and state awards for best playback singer, the Kalaimamani from the Tamil Nadu government, and the J.C. Daniel Award.

His iconic song, “Manjalayil Mungithorthi,” catapulted him to fame, and his contributions extended beyond film to devotional and light music. The singer also briefly ventured into acting.

Jayachandran’s body was taken to his ancestral home in Paravur, Ernakulam, for the final rites, scheduled for Saturday afternoon. A final public viewing was held at National Higher Secondary School, Irinjalakuda, on Saturday morning before the funeral. His death marks the end of an era for Malayalam music, leaving a void in the hearts of millions.

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