Renowned Playback Singer P. Jayachandran Passes Away
- Jayachandran, endearingly called “Bhava Gayakan”, was a legendary playback singer celebrated for his unmatched ability to evoke emotions such as love, devotion, and longing through his melodious voice. The iconic singer, aged 80, passed away after battling a prolonged illness, marking the end of an illustrious era in Indian music. Revered across generations for his soulful renditions, Jayachandran’s contributions to the music industry remain unparalleled, leaving a deep void in the hearts of millions of fans.
- His remarkable career spanned six decades, during which he recorded over 16,000 songs in multiple languages, including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. His demise has triggered a wave of tributes from music lovers and prominent figures across the country, highlighting the indelible mark he left on Indian music.
Key Highlights of P. Jayachandran’s Life
Early Life and Education
Paliyath Jayachandran was born on March 3, 1944, in Ernakulam, Kerala, to parents Ravi Varma Kochaniyan Thampuran and Subhadra Kunjamma. He demonstrated an early aptitude for music and pursued his academic interests by graduating with a degree in Zoology from Christ College, Irinjalakuda.
His musical journey began during his school years, where he played the mridangam and performed light classical music at various events. These formative experiences laid the foundation for his remarkable career in playback singing.
Musical Beginnings
Jayachandran’s professional journey into the world of music started in 1965 when he debuted with the song “Oru Mullappoo Malayumayi” for the film Kunjali Marakkar. However, his first released song was “Manjalayil Mungithorthi”, which featured in the movie Kalithozhan.
He also achieved notable recognition during his school years by securing the first prize in the mridangam competition at the 1958 state school kalotsavam. It was at this event that he crossed paths with K. J. Yesudas, who later became a key figure and collaborator in his musical journey.
Career Achievements
Over the course of his illustrious career, Jayachandran lent his voice to over 16,000 songs, captivating audiences across multiple languages such as Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. His ability to effortlessly adapt to various genres and languages made him a favorite among music directors and audiences alike.
He worked with some of the most iconic composers in the Indian music industry, including G. Devarajan, M. S. Baburaj, Ilaiyaraaja, A. R. Rahman, and others. Among his most notable collaborations was his partnership with Ilaiyaraaja, which produced timeless hits like “Rasathi unna kanatha nenju” from the Tamil film Vaidehi Kathirundal.
Jayachandran’s talent earned him numerous accolades, including the National Film Award, the Kerala J.C. Daniel Award, and the Kerala State Film Awards, which he won five times. One of his most celebrated performances, the devotional song “Shiva Shankara Sharana Sarva Vibho” from Sree Narayana Guru, earned him a National Award. He also received Tamil Nadu State Film Awards twice for his contributions to Tamil cinema.
Personal Life
- Jayachandran’s personal life was as fulfilling as his professional journey. He is survived by his wife Lalitha, daughter Lakshmi, and son Dinanathan, who has also followed in his father’s footsteps as a singer. His funeral will take place at his ancestral home in Chendamangalam, Kerala, on Saturday.
Tributes and Legacy
The music fraternity and political leaders mourned the loss of the legendary singer. Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar commended Jayachandran’s ability to charm audiences with his voice for over six decades. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan noted how his timeless songs captured the hearts of generations, transcending time and trends. Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan described Jayachandran as a rare talent whose voice deeply resonated with listeners across decades.
His legacy continues to live on in the countless songs that have become integral to the cultural fabric of India. Jayachandran’s unparalleled ability to evoke profound emotions through music ensures that he will always be remembered as one of the finest playback singers India has ever produced.
Summary/Static Details
- Why in the news? Renowned playback singer P. Jayachandran has passed away.
- Nickname: Bhava Gayakan
- Place of Birth: Ernakulam, Kerala
- Languages Sung In: Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Hindi
- Age: 80
- Number of Songs Recorded: Over 16,000
- Notable Awards: National Film Award, Kerala J.C. Daniel Award, Kerala State Film Awards (5 times), Tamil Nadu State Film Awards (2 times)
- Famous Collaborations: G. Devarajan, M. S. Baburaj, Ilaiyaraaja, A. R. Rahman, Vidyasagar, M. Jayachandran
- Famous Songs: “Rasathi unna kanatha nenju,” “Shiva Shankara Sharana Sarva Vibho,” “Oru Mullappoo Malayumayi”
- Debut Film Song: “Oru Mullappoo Malayumayi” from Kunjali Marakkar
