P Jayachandran, the beloved playback singer affectionately known as 'Bhava Gayakan', passed away on Thursday evening in Thrissur, Kerala, at the age of 80. He had been undergoing treatment for cancer at a private medical college before his demise. Jayachandran, who recorded over 16,000 songs in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi, was renowned for his emotive singing that captured love, longing, and devotion. His musical legacy included numerous awards, including the National Film Award and the Kerala government's J C Daniel Award for his exceptional contribution to cinema.
Born in Ernakulam, Kerala, in 1944, Jayachandran began his musical journey in school before being discovered by film producer Sobhana Parameswaran Nair and director A Vincent. His debut song was "Oru Mullappoo Malayumayi" for the film Kunjali Marakkar in 1965, and his first released song was "Manjalayil Mungithorthi" from Kalithozhan. Over his career, Jayachandran collaborated with legendary composers like Ilaiyaraaja, A R Rahman, and M S Baburaj, producing iconic hits. Some of his most beloved Malayalam songs include Neelagiriyude Sakhikale, Swarnagopura Narthaki Shilpam, and Onnini Sruthi Thazhthi Paduka Poonkuyile. He is survived by his wife Lalitha, daughter Lakshmi, and son Dinanathan, who is also a singer.
His body will be brought to his residence in Poomkunnam, Thrissur, on Friday for public viewing, with the funeral scheduled for Saturday at his ancestral home in Chendamangalam.
