Ministers K. Rajan and R. Bindu and Thrissur Collector Arjun Pandian pay homage to singer P. Jayachandran at the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi hall in Thrissur on Friday.
| Photo Credit: K.K. NAJEEB
Thousands paid their last respects to legendary playback singer P. Jayachandran, who passed away on Thursday night, offering a heartfelt tribute to his melodious voice that had touched countless hearts.
His mortal remains were brought on Friday morning from Amala Hospital, Thrissur, where he breathed his last, to his sister’s house at Punkunnam, where a large crowd gathered to bid farewell.
Among those paying their respects were Ministers K. Rajan, R. Bindu, AK Saseendran, former Minister VS Sunil Kumar, poet and lyricist Sreekumaran Thampi, actors Jayaraj Warrier, and senior Congress leader VM Sudheeran.
P. Jayachandran, who had been battling a liver ailment, was discharged from hospital after a week of treatment last Wednesday. But he collapsed around 7 p.m. on Thursday and was rushed to the hospital, where he passed away at 7.54 p.m. His body was brought to the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi at 10.30 a.m. for public viewing.
Music lovers from all walks of life, including filmmakers Sathyan Anthikkad, Kamal, Balachandra Menon, Sibi Malayil, Priyanandan and Jayaraj; music directors Ouseppachan, Vidyadharan; actors TG Ravi, Manoj K. Jayan and Lishoy, Mayor MK Varghese; and Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Secretary Karivallur Murali, came to pay their respects.
V.K. Sreekandan, MP, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, P. Balachandran, MLA, former MP T.N. Prathapan, cultural figures, and common people alike gathered to honour the beloved singer.
The body was taken back to his sister’s house at Punkunnam by afternoon. The body will be taken for funeral to his ancestral home in Paravur, Ernakulam, at 8 a.m. on Saturday with the final rites scheduled for 3.30 p.m.
The body of the late singer will be kept at National Higher Secondary School, Irinjalakuda, at 8.30 a.m. on Saturday.
A beloved icon in Malayalam music, P. Jayachandran became renowned for his soulful, heartfelt renditions. His songs, brimming with every emotion — from love and longing to pain and separation — became anthems for countless fans, resonating deeply with the very essence of life.
The singer had even tried his skill in acting in a few films. Jayachandran, who recorded over 16,000 songs in Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi, was a towering figure in Indian music.
With a career spanning over six decades, he became an icon in film, devotional, and light music genres, receiving numerous accolades, including national and State awards for the best playback singer. His melodious contributions were celebrated with awards such as the Kalaimamani from the Tamil Nadu government and J.C. Daniel Award.
Born in 1944 in Ernakulam, Jayachandran’s musical journey began in school and flourished through his association with prominent music directors such as G. Devarajan and P. Bhaskaran. His first song was featured in the 1965 movie Kunjalimarakkar but it was his iconic track Manjalayil Mungithorthi that truly launched his illustrious career.
Published – January 10, 2025 08:53 pm IST
