Music Icon P Jayachandran Dies at 80

Kochi: Veteran playback singer P. Jayachandran, fondly known as the "Bhava Gayakan," passed away on Thursday at the age of 80. With a career spanning over six decades, his voice left an indelible mark on Indian cinema, particularly in Malayalam, Tamil, and other South Indian languages.

Jayachandran lent his voice to more than 16,000 songs across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi, capturing the essence of emotions like love, longing, and devotion. His timeless classics remain cherished.
Born on March 3, 1944, in Ernakulam, Jayachandran hailed from the aristocratic lineage of Tripunithura Kovilakam and Paliyam Palace. From an early age, he showed an affinity for music, experimenting with percussion instruments like the chenda and mridangam. His father, an enthusiastic singer, played a pivotal role in nurturing his musical talent.

His journey to fame began with his first song, "Oru Mullappoomalayumaayi", for the film Kunhalimarikkar. Although the movie faced delays, the legendary music director G. Devarajan recognised his potential and gave him another chance in Kalithozhan. His debut track from that film, "Manjalayil Mungi Thorthi," became an instant hit, establishing him as a prominent playback singer.

Jayachandran’s accolades include a National Film Award for Best Playback Singer, five Kerala State Film Awards, four Tamil Nadu State Awards, the Kalaimamani Award, and the JC Daniel Award, Kerala’s highest honor in cinema.

He was celebrated not only for his artistic contributions but also for his humility and deep connection with audiences. His ability to embody the essence of lyrics and melodies made him a favorite among composers and listeners alike.

Jayachandran is survived by his wife, Lalitha, daughter Lakshmi, and son Dinanathan, who has followed in his father’s footsteps in the music industry. Many describe him as an irreplaceable icon whose voice will live on for generations.

Tributes have poured in from across the music and film fraternity.