Kerala Thrissur: P Jayachandran, the legendary playback singer whose soulful voice enchanted millions for over six decades, passed away at the age of 80 on Thursday. He breathed his last at 7:54 PM at Amala Hospital in Thrissur after battling cancer for an extended period. Jayachandran was rushed to the hospital following a collapse at his residence earlier that evening.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed heartfelt condolences on the passing of the renowned playback singer Shri P. Jayachandran. In his message, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the legendary artist, acknowledging his remarkable contribution to Indian music.
Final Rites and Public Viewing
The singer's last rites are scheduled for Saturday at 3 PM at his residence, Paliyath House in Chennamangalam. Fans and well-wishers will have the opportunity to pay their respects on Friday. His body will be kept for public viewing from 8 AM to 10 AM at his residence in Punkunnam and from 10 AM to 12 PM at the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi. He also won four Tamil Nadu State Awards.
A Voice That Transcended Generations
Jayachandran’s illustrious career is a testament to his unparalleled talent and versatility. P Jayachandran’s remarkable career spanned over six decades, during which he lent his enchanting voice to more than 16,000 songs in various languages. His contributions extended across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi, showcasing his incredible versatility and appeal. His ability to capture deep emotions like love, longing, and devotion through his renditions earned him a special place in the hearts of music lovers. His songs, timeless and evocative, continue to resonate with listeners, ensuring his legacy endures.
Celebrated Achievements and Honors
Jayachandran’s contributions to Indian music were widely recognized. He was a recipient of numerous awards, including the prestigious National Film Award for Best Playback Singer, five Kerala State Film Awards, the JC Daniel Award from the Government of Kerala, and the Kalaimamani Award from Tamil Nadu. In recognition of his exceptional talent and contribution to music, Jayachandran received numerous accolades, including an impressive four Tamil Nadu State Awards. He is survived by his wife Lalitha, daughter Lakshmi, and son Dinanathan, who has followed in his father's musical footsteps.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings: Born on March 3, 1944, in Ernakulam, Jayachandran hailed from a family deeply rooted in tradition. He was the third son of Ravivarma Kochanian Thamburan of Tripunithura Kovilakam and Subhadrakunjamma of Paliyam Palace. His early years were marked by a fascination with percussion instruments like the chenda and mridangam. His passion for music was nurtured by his father, an ardent music lover.
Jayachandran’s early education played a significant role in shaping his artistic journey. He pursued his studies at various institutions, including St. Mary’s High School in Aluva and National High School in Irinjalakuda. His talent shone early on, earning him accolades at the inaugural State School Youth Festival in 1958. He graduated in Zoology from Christ College, Irinjalakuda, before briefly working in Madras.
Jayachandran’s life changed when filmmakers Shobhana Parameswaran Nair and A. Vincent discovered his talent at an event in Chennai. His first recording, “Oru Mullappoomalayumaayi” for the film Kunhalimarikkar in 1965, set the stage for his stellar career. Though the film faced delays, his debut song in Kalithozhan — "Manjalayil Mungi Thorthi" — became an instant classic.
After stepping away from playback singing for several years, Jayachandran staged a magnificent comeback in 1999 with the song “Prayam Nammil” from the Malayalam film Niram. His resurgence captivated a new generation of listeners and marked the beginning of another remarkable chapter in his career.
Iconic Collaborations and Unforgettable Melodies: Jayachandran shared a special bond with legendary composers like Ilayaraja and AR Rahman, leaving an indelible mark on Tamil cinema. His chart-topping hits include “Manjalayil Mungi Thorthi,” “Neelagiriyude Sakhikale,” “Prayam Nammil Moham Nalki,” and many more. Beyond films, he also created light melodies and music albums that continue to inspire.
A Legacy Immortalized in Music: Jayachandran’s legacy is not just in his songs but in the emotions he brought to life through music. As the world bids farewell to this maestro, his timeless voice will continue to echo, reminding us of his extraordinary contributions to Indian music.