National Award-winning singer P. Jayachandran passes away at 80
New Delhi : Famous playback singer P Jayachandran, fondly known as the ‘Bhava Gayakan’ for his soulful renditions, passed away on Thursday at the age of 80. He breathed his last at a private medical college in Kerala, where he was undergoing treatment, according to hospital sources. The singer had been unwell for some time and was rushed to the hospital after collapsing at his residence earlier in the day.
Jayachandran’s illustrious career spanned decades, during which he recorded over 16,000 songs in multiple languages, including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. His contribution to Indian music earned him numerous accolades, including the prestigious National Film Award and Kerala’s highest honor in cinema, the J C Daniel Award.
Expressing his condolences, Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar said, “His endearing voice that charmed audiences for six decades will go on to soothe people’s hearts.”
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also paid tribute, stating, “The journey of the song that transcended time and space has come to a halt. Jayachandran was a singer who captured the hearts of people across India throughout an entire era. It can be said that there is no Malayali who has not been touched by Jayachandran’s songs. Whether through film songs, light music, or devotional songs, every note he sang found its way into the hearts of listeners.”
Apart from his musical achievements, Jayachandran also showcased his acting prowess in films such as Trivandrum Lodge, Nakhakshathangal, and Sreekrishnaparunth.
He is survived by his wife, Lalitha, daughter Lakshmi, and son Dinanathan, who has followed in his father’s footsteps as a singer.
The body of the late singer will be brought to his residence at Poomkunnam, Thrissur, on Friday and will be laid at the Sahitya Academy Hall for the public to pay their last respects. The funeral will be held at his ancestral home in Chendamangalam on Saturday at 3 PM.
The passing of P Jayachandran marks the end of an era in Indian music. His legacy, however, will live on through the countless songs that continue to resonate in the hearts of millions.
