Who is P. Jayachandran?
P. Jayachandran is a celebrated Indian playback singer renowned for his mellifluous voice and significant contributions to the South Indian music industry. With a career spanning over five decades, he has sung in multiple languages, including Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, and Telugu. Known as the “Bhava Gayakan” (singer of emotions), Jayachandran has mesmerized generations with his ability to convey deep emotions through his songs.
egendary playback singer P. Jayachandran passed away on January 9, 2025, in Thrissur, Kerala, after battling cancer. Born on March 3, 1944, in Kochi, he recorded over 16,000 songs across Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi during a career spanning more than five decades.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Paliyath Jayachandrakuttan |
| Date of Birth | March 3, 1944 |
| Place of Birth | Ernakulam, Kerala, India |
| Parents | Ravivarma Kochaniyan Thampuran, Subhadrakunjamma |
| Education | NA |
| Occupation | Playback Singer, Actor |
| Notable Cases | NA |
| Awards and Honors | National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer, Kerala State Film Award for Best Singer, Asianet Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer, JC Daniel Award, Kalaimamani Award, Tamil Nadu State Film Awards |
| Personal Life | Married to Lalitha; Children: Lakshmi, Dinanathan |
| Another Name | NA |
| Profession | Playback Singer, Actor |
| Height | NA |
| Weight | NA |
| Eye Colour | NA |
| Hair Colour | NA |
| Debut | 1966 (with the song “Manjalayil Mungithorthi” in the film “Kalithozhan”) |
| Date of Birth | March 3, 1944 |
| Age | 80 (at the time of his passing) |
| Birthplace | Ernakulam, Kerala, India |
| Zodiac Sign | Pisces |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Hometown | Irinjalakuda, Thrissur District, Kerala |
| School | NA |
| College/University | NA |
| Educational Qualification | NA |
| Food Habit | NA |
| Hobby | NA |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Affairs/Girlfriend | NA |
| Spouse | Lalitha |
| Parents | Ravivarma Kochaniyan Thampuran, Subhadrakunjamma |
| Siblings | Krishnakumar, Jayanthi |
| Car Collections | NA |
| Bike Collections | NA |
| Salary/Income | NA |
| Assets | NA |
| Net Worth | NA |
| NA | |
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| NA | |
| YouTube | NA |
| IMDb | NA |
Early Life of P. Jayachandran
Paliyath Jayachandran was born on March 3, 1944, in Bhadralayam, Ravipuram, Kochi, in the Indian state of Kerala. His father, P. N. Chandran, was a music enthusiast who encouraged Jayachandran’s early musical training. He completed his schooling at St. Albert’s School, Ernakulam, and later pursued higher studies at Sacred Heart College, Thevara.
During his college days, Jayachandran participated in several musical competitions and cultural events, often winning accolades for his soulful performances. His passion for music eventually led him to pursue a career in playback singing, a decision that would shape the future of South Indian music.
Career of P. Jayachandran
P. Jayachandran made his playback singing debut in 1965 with the Malayalam film “Kunjali Marakkar,” composed by M.S. Baburaj. His first song, “Oru Mullappoomalayumay,” became an instant hit, establishing him as a promising talent in the industry. Over the years, he collaborated with legendary composers such as G. Devarajan, Ilaiyaraaja, M. S. Viswanathan, and A. R. Rahman, delivering numerous chart-topping songs.
Jayachandran’s career saw a remarkable rise in the 1970s and 1980s, where he became a household name across South India. He was particularly noted for his association with composer Ilaiyaraaja, with whom he produced many memorable hits in Tamil cinema. Songs like “Raasaathi Unna” (Vaidhegi Kaathirundhaal), “Naan Thedum Sevvandhi Poovithu” (Dharma Pathini), and “Manjal Prasadavum” (Four Friends) showcase his vocal prowess.
In addition to films, Jayachandran has also recorded numerous devotional and classical albums. His dedication to music has earned him accolades from both critics and audiences alike.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Debut | 1966 with the song “Manjalayil Mungithorthi” in the film “Kalithozhan” |
| Languages | Primarily Malayalam, also sang in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi |
| Collaborations | Worked with renowned composers like G. Devarajan, M. S. Baburaj, V. Dakshinamoorthy, K. Raghavan, M. K. Arjunan, M. S. Viswanathan, Ilaiyaraaja, Koti, Shyam, A. R. Rahman, M. M. Keeravani, Vidyasagar, and M Jayachandran |
| Career Highlights | Sung over 16,000 songs Won the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer Won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Singer five times Awarded the J. C. Daniel Award, the highest award in Malayalam cinema Also acted in a few films |
| Recognition | Known as the “Bhava Gayakan” (Expression Singer) for his soulful and emotive renditions |
Controversies of P. Jayachandran
Despite his long and illustrious career, P. Jayachandran has largely remained free from major controversies. However, like many artists, he has occasionally been caught in debates over the changing trends in film music. On a few occasions, he expressed concern about the diminishing focus on lyrical depth and melody in contemporary music. His comments sparked discussions among musicians and fans but were generally well-received as constructive criticism rather than controversy.
Achievements of P. Jayachandran
P. Jayachandran’s contributions to the music industry have been widely recognized through numerous awards and honors. Some of his significant accolades include:
- National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer for the song “Sivasankara Sarva Saranya Vibho” from the Malayalam film “Sree Narayana Guru” (1985).
- Kerala State Film Award for Best Singer multiple times for his work in various films.
- Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer for his songs in Tamil cinema.
- Kalaimamani Award from the Government of Tamil Nadu for his outstanding contribution to Tamil music.
- Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award recognizing his lifelong achievements in music.
In addition to these awards, Jayachandran has performed in prestigious venues around the world and continues to be an inspiration for aspiring singers.
Family of P. Jayachandran
P. Jayachandran is married to Lalitha Jayachandran, and the couple has two children, a son, and a daughter. Despite his busy schedule, Jayachandran has always prioritized his family, often crediting them for his sustained success and stability in life. His family members have been supportive of his musical pursuits, creating a strong foundation that enabled him to excel in his career.
Relationships of P. Jayachandran
Throughout his life, P. Jayachandran has maintained cordial relationships with his peers in the music and film industry. He is known for his humility and friendly demeanor, earning him respect from fellow artists and fans alike. His collaborations with legendary composers and singers reflect not just musical harmony but also a deep mutual respect.
Jayachandran has often mentioned in interviews the importance of maintaining healthy professional relationships and how they have contributed to his longevity in the industry. His camaraderie with composers like Ilaiyaraaja and M.S. Baburaj is well-documented, with each partnership producing timeless melodies cherished by music lovers.
