Bhava Gayakan P Jayachandran Passes Away at 80: A Voice That Touched Millions
Renowned playback singer P Jayachandran, affectionately called Bhava Gayakan for his ability to evoke emotions such as love, longing, and devotion through his music, passed away on Thursday evening in Thrissur, Kerala. He was 80.
According to hospital sources, Jayachandran was undergoing treatment at a private medical college and succumbed around 7:55 pm. He had been unwell for some time and was hospitalized after collapsing at his residence earlier that day.
A Prolific Career in Music
Jayachandran’s illustrious career included recording over 16,000 songs across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi.
Recognized as one of Indian music’s stalwarts, he received numerous accolades, including the National Film Award and Kerala’s J C Daniel Award for his contributions to cinema.
Among his notable achievements are five Kerala State Film Awards and two Tamil Nadu State Film Awards.
His rendition of “Shiva Shankara Sharana Sarva Vibho” from the film Sree Narayana Guru earned him the prestigious National Award, a testament to his unparalleled talent.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Born on March 3, 1944, in Ernakulam, Jayachandran was the third son of Ravi Varma Kochaniyan Thampuran and Subhadra Kunjamma.
His musical journey began in high school, where he played the mridangam and performed light classical music. In 1958, he won first place in the mridangam competition at the state school kalotsavam.
It was during this event that he met fellow music legend K J Yesudas, who also emerged as a winner that year.
After graduating in Zoology from Christ College, Irinjalakuda, Jayachandran worked briefly at a private firm in Chennai.
It was during this time that producer Sobhana Parameswaran Nair and director A Vincent noticed his talent at a musical show and gave him an opportunity to sing in films.
His debut song, “Oru Mullappoo Malayumayi,” written by P Bhaskaran for the movie Kunjali Marakkar (1965), marked the beginning of a legendary career. However, his first released song was “Manjalayil Mungithorthi” from the film Kalithozhan.
Collaborations and Notable Works
Jayachandran’s collaborations with eminent composers such as G Devarajan, M S Baburaj, V Dakshinamoorthy, Ilaiyaraaja, A R Rahman, and M Jayachandran produced timeless melodies.
His close association with Ilaiyaraaja led to several iconic Tamil hits, including “Rasathi Unna Kanatha Nenju” from Vaidehi Kathirundal.
Some of his most beloved Malayalam songs include “Neelagiriyude Sakhikale,” “Swarnagopura Narthaki Shilpam,” “Anuraga Ganam Pole,” and “Pookkal Panineer Pookkal.”
His devotional classics, such as “Onnini Sruthi Thazhthi Paduka Poonkuyile,” remain etched in the hearts of listeners.
Personal Life and Legacy
Jayachandran is survived by his wife Lalitha, daughter Lakshmi, and son Dinanathan, who is also a singer. His body was brought to his residence in Poomkunnam, Thrissur, on Friday, where it lay in state at the Sahitya Academy Hall for public homage. The funeral is scheduled for Saturday at his ancestral home in Chendamangalam.
Tributes from Leaders and Fans
Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar expressed his condolences, saying, “His endearing voice that charmed audiences for six decades will go on to soothe people’s hearts.”
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan described Jayachandran as a singer who transcended time and space, stating, “Every note he sang found its way into the hearts of listeners.”
Leader of Opposition V D Satheesan lauded Jayachandran as a “rare voice” that resonated with generations of music lovers. He noted, “The unique singing style is something that belongs solely to Jayachandran.”
An Irreplaceable Loss
P Jayachandran’s demise marks an irreplaceable loss for the world of music. Fondly remembered as Bhava Gayakan, his contributions to Indian playback singing have left an indelible mark.
Through his evocative voice, he brought the beauty of languages like Malayalam to global recognition. His melodies will continue to inspire and comfort listeners for generations to come.
