Veteran playback singer P. Jayachandran, whose mellifluous voice enchanted generations of listeners across South India, passed away on Thursday evening at Amala Hospital in Thrissur. The 80-year-old maestro had been battling cancer for an extended period and was rushed to the hospital after collapsing at his residence earlier in the day.
The last rites will take place on Saturday at 3 p.m. at his residence, Paliyath House, in Chennamangalam. His body will be available for public viewing on Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at his Punkunnam residence and from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi.
A Voice That Defined an Era
With a career spanning over six decades, Jayachandran rendered more than 16,000 songs in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi, leaving an indelible mark on Indian music. His ability to express emotions like love, devotion, and longing through his soulful voice earned him a special place in the hearts of music lovers.
Jayachandran’s accolades include the National Film Award for Best Playback Singer, five Kerala State Film Awards, the prestigious JC Daniel Award, and the Kalaimamani Award from Tamil Nadu, alongside numerous other honors. His enduring contributions to music made him one of the most celebrated voices in Indian cinema.
A Life Dedicated to Music
Born on March 3, 1944, in Ernakulam, Jayachandran hailed from a family with deep cultural roots. He was the third son of Ravivarma Kochanian Thamburan of Tripunithura Kovilakam and Subhadrakunjamma of Paliyam Palace in Chennamangalam. His early years were shaped by traditional arts, as he studied percussion instruments like the chenda and mridangam.
Encouraged by his father, an ardent music enthusiast, Jayachandran began singing in school and at local churches. After excelling in music competitions at the State School Youth Festival in 1958, his path to a musical career became clear.
Though he initially pursued a degree in zoology and worked briefly in Chennai, destiny intervened when filmmakers Shobhana Parameswaran Nair and A. Vincent discovered his talent. His first recording, “Oru Mullappoomalayumaayi,” for the film Kunhalimarikkar, opened doors to a prolific career. However, it was the hit song “Manjalayil Mungi Thorthi” from Kalithozhan that marked his official debut in 1965, launching him to fame.
Triumphs and Comebacks
Jayachandran's career witnessed a remarkable resurgence in 1999 with the song “Prayam Nammil” in the film Niram, following a hiatus of over a decade. This revival proved his timeless appeal, as he continued to lend his voice to films for another two decades.
In Tamil cinema, he formed enduring collaborations with legends like Ilayaraja and A.R. Rahman, carving out a unique identity in the industry. His memorable Tamil songs and numerous non-film albums, including light melodies like Onnini Sruthi Thazhthi and Jayadeva Kaviyude Geethikal, further solidified his legacy.
A Legacy Immortalized Through Music
Some of his most iconic tracks include Manjalayil Mungi Thorthi, Neelagiriyude Sakhikale, Ramsanile Chandrikavo, and Prayam Nammil, among many others. Jayachandran's music transcended time, resonating with audiences across generations.
He is survived by his wife, Lalitha, daughter Lakshmi, and son Dinanathan, who has followed in his father’s footsteps in the music industry.
P. Jayachandran’s unparalleled contributions to music will continue to inspire and captivate listeners, ensuring his legacy lives on for generations to come.
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