The world of music and cinema bid a tearful goodbye to P. Jayachandran, a legend whose melodies captured the hearts of millions. The 81-year-old maestro, affectionately called the ‘Bhava Gayakan,’ passed away on Thursday evening at a private hospital in Thrissur after battling cancer. Tributes from across Kerala and beyond poured in, with megastars Mammootty and Mohanlal leading the heartfelt homages.
Mammootty, in his Facebook post, described Jayachandran as a beloved melodist, paying his “respectful tributes” to the singer. Mohanlal, recalling his cherished memories with the legend, wrote, “Jayettan, the melodist of generations, was like an elder brother to me. He often sang my mother’s favorite songs during his visits to our home. Though he lent his voice to only a few of my films, each of those songs remains unforgettable. His golden voice will forever resonate in our hearts.”
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also paid tribute, calling Jayachandran’s death an irreparable loss for the music world. In a poignant statement, he highlighted the singer’s unparalleled ability to connect with listeners through his emotional renditions. Minister for Culture Saji Cherian also honored Jayachandran’s legacy, emphasizing his immense contributions to Malayalam cinema, including being a recipient of the prestigious J.C. Daniel Award in 2020.
Jayachandran’s illustrious career spanned over five decades, during which he recorded more than 10,000 songs in multiple languages, including Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi. His soulful voice earned him several accolades, including a National Film Award in 1986 for the devotional classic “Sivasankara Sarva Saranya Vibho.”
The public can pay their respects on Friday morning at his residence in Poonkunnam and later at the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy. His funeral will be held on Saturday at Chendamangalam, marking the final chapter of a legendary life.
As Kerala mourns his loss, Jayachandran’s songs will continue to echo in the hearts of Malayalis, reminding them of a voice that epitomized love, joy, and longing.
