Legendary Playback Singer P Jayachandran Dies
Veteran playback singer P Jayachandran, one of Indian cinema’s most celebrated voices, died at 80 on January 9, 2025. Known as the “Bhava Gayakan” for his unmatched ability to express emotions through music, Jayachandran’s dulcet tones enriched the lives of music lovers for over six decades, especially in India’s Southern state of Kerala.
Born on March 3, 1944 in Kochi, Kerala, Jayachandran hailed from a musically inclined family with royal lineage. His father, Ravivarma Kochaniyan Thampuran of the Cochin royal family, was an avid singer, influencing Jayachandran’s love for music. As a child, he dabbled in traditional percussion instruments like the chenda and mridangam before realising his calling in singing. His school days were marked by accolades at the State School Youth Festival, where he met future legend KJ Yesudas.
Jayachandran’s musical journey took a decisive turn when he was discovered by filmmakers Shobhana Parameswaran Nair and A Vincent. His first recorded song, “Oru Mullappoomalayumaayi” for the film Kunhalimarikkar, marked the beginning of an illustrious career. His official debut came in 1965 with “Manjalayil Mungi Thorthi” fromKalithozhan, composed by G Devarajan.
Over his career, Jayachandran lent his soulful voice to over 16,000 songs in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. His ability to convey love, longing, and devotion made his songs timeless. Hits like “Anuragaganam Pole”, “Neelagiriyude Sakhikale”, and “Prayam Nammil Moham Nalki” remain etched in the hearts of millions.
Jayachandran also made a mark in Tamil cinema, collaborating with maestros like Ilayaraja and AR Rahman. Memorable songs such as “Raasaathi Unna”, “Kathazham Kattuvazhi”, and “Mayanginen Solla Thayanginen” showcased his versatility and deep connection with Tamil audiences.
Despite a hiatus, he made a stunning comeback in 1999 with the song “Prayam Nammil” from Niram, reigniting his career and captivating a new generation of listeners.
Jayachandran’s contributions to music earned him numerous accolades, including the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer in 1986 for “Sivasankara Sarva Saranya Vibho” from Sree Narayana Guru. He won five Kerala State Film Awards, four Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, and the prestigious Kalaimamani Award from Tamil Nadu. In 2020, he was honoured with the JC Daniel Award, the highest accolade in Malayalam cinema, for his lifelong contribution to the industry.
In addition to film music, Jayachandran excelled in non-film compositions, delivering hits like “Onnini Sruthi Thazhthi” and albums such as “Onninumallathe Enthino Thonniyorishtam”.
Jayachandran’s personal life mirrored his professional stability. Married to Lalitha in 1973, the couple had two children: Lakshmi and Dinanath, the latter also carving a niche in music.
His passing marks the end of an era in South Indian music, leaving an irreplaceable void in the hearts of his admirers. However, his legacy endures through his vast repertoire of songs that continue to inspire and comfort audiences across generations.
Jayachandran’s voice was not merely heard but felt, transcending linguistic and cultural boundaries. His timeless melodies will remain an everlasting tribute to a man whose music was his life and whose life was music.
