p jayachandran

 P. Jayachandran: A Tribute to a Legendary Voice

On January 9, 2025, the world of music mourned the loss of P. Jayachandran, a legendary Indian playback singer who passed away at the age of 80. His death occurred at a private hospital in Thrissur, Kerala, where he had been undergoing treatment for cancer.

Early Life and Background

Paliyath Jayachandrakuttan, known professionally as P. Jayachandran, was born on March 3, 1944, in Ravipuram, Kochi, Kerala. He was the third of five children in the family. His father, Ravivarma Kochaniyan Thampuran, was a member of the Cochin royal family and a musician, though not a professional singer. His mother, Paliyath Subhadrakkunjamma, was a homemaker. Jayachandran's siblings include Krishnakumar and Jayanthi.

From a young age, Jayachandran showed a keen interest in music. He attended the National High School in Irinjalakuda, where he won several prizes for playing the mridangam and participating in light music competitions during the State School Youth Festival. He later pursued a degree in Zoology from Christ College, Irinjalakuda.

Musical Career

Jayachandran's musical journey began in the early 1960s. He recorded his first song, "Azhakazham Thirunaal," for the Malayalam film "Kaalal Pada," composed by G. Devarajan. Over the decades, he became a prominent figure in the Indian music industry, recording over 16,000 songs in various languages, including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi.

\He collaborated with renowned composers such as M. S. Baburaj, V. Dakshinamoorthy, K. Raghavan, M. K. Arjunan, M. S. Viswanathan, Ilaiyaraaja, A. R. Rahman, and M. M. Keeravani. His melodious voice and emotive renditions made him a favorite among music lovers.

Notable Songs and Albums

Throughout his illustrious career, Jayachandran delivered numerous hit songs that remain popular to this day. Some of his most celebrated tracks include:

• "Sivasankara Sarva" from the film "Sree Narayana Guru" (1986)
• "Ragam Sreeragam" from "Bandhanam" (1978)
• "Prayam Nammil" from "Niram" (1999)
• "Neeyoru Puzhayaay" from "Thilakkam" (2003)
• "Sharadambaram" from "Ennu Ninte Moideen" (2015)

His album "Hits of P. Jayachandran," released in 2012, is a compilation of some of his most cherished songs.

Awards and Recognitions

Jayachandran's exceptional talent was recognized with numerous awards:

• National Film Award: Best Male Playback Singer for "Sree Narayana Guru" (1986)
• Kerala State Film Awards: Five-time winner for Best Male Playback Singer
• J. C. Daniel Award: Conferred in 2020 for outstanding contributions to Malayalam cinema
• Tamil Nadu State Film Awards: Two-time winner
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These accolades underscore his significant impact on the Indian music industry.

Personal Life

In May 1973, Jayachandran married Lalitha from Thrissur. The couple has two children: a daughter named Lakshmi and a son named Dinanath, who has also pursued a career in playback singing.

Legacy

P. Jayachandran's contribution to Indian music is immeasurable. His ability to convey deep emotions through his voice has left an indelible mark on the hearts of listeners. His songs continue to be celebrated, and his legacy will inspire future generations of musicians and music enthusiasts.

As we remember P. Jayachandran, we honor a life dedicated to the art of music, a voice that transcended boundaries, and a legacy that will endure for years to come.