Thousands of people bid farewell to Jayachandran

Minister K. Rajan and R. Bindu and Thrissur Collector Arjun Pandian paid tribute to singer P. Jayachandran at the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy Hall in Thrissur on Friday. , Photo courtesy: KK Najeeb

Thousands of people paid their last respects to legendary playback singer P. Jayachandran, who passed away on Thursday night, paying rich tributes to his melodious voice that touched countless hearts.

His mortal remains were brought to his sister’s house in Punkunnam on Friday morning from Amala Hospital in Thrissur, where he breathed his last, where a large crowd gathered to bid him farewell.

Minister K. was among those who paid tribute. Rajan, R. Prominent personalities from various fields including Bindu, AK Saseendran, former minister VS Sunil Kumar, poet and lyricist Sreekumaran Thampi, actor Jayaraj Warrier and senior Congress leader VM Sudheeran were present.

P. Jayachandran, who was suffering from liver disease, was discharged from the hospital last Wednesday after a week’s treatment. But around 7 pm on Thursday, he became unconscious and was taken to the hospital, where he died at 7.54 pm. His mortal remains were brought to the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy at 10.30 am for public viewing.

Music lovers from all walks of life including filmmaker Sathyan Anthikkad, Kamal, Balachandra Menon, Sibi Malayil, Priyanandan and Jayaraj; Music directors Oseppachan, Vidyadharan; Actors TG Ravi, Manoj K. Jayan and Lishoy, Mayor MK Varghese; and Karivallur Murali, secretary of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Academy, came to pay their respects.

MP VK Srikandan, Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala, MLA P Balachandran, former MP TN Prathapan, cultural figures and common people gathered to honor the beloved singer.

By afternoon the body was taken to his sister’s house in Punkunnam. The body will be taken to his ancestral home in Paravur, Ernakulam for cremation at 8 am on Saturday and the last rites will be performed at 3.30 pm.

The mortal remains of the late singer will be kept at the National Higher Secondary School, Irinjalakuda at 8.30 am on Saturday.

A beloved icon of Malayalam music, P. Jayachandran became famous for his soulful, heart-touching renditions. His songs, filled with every emotion – from love and longing to pain and separation – became anthems for countless fans, resonating deeply with the essence of life.

The singer also tried his skills in acting in some films. Jayachandran, who recorded over 16,000 songs in Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Telugu and Hindi, was a colossus in Indian music.

With a career spanning over six decades, he became an icon in the film, devotional and light music genres, and has received several awards, including National and State Awards for Best Playback Singer. His fruitful contribution was celebrated with awards like Kalaimamani and JC Daniel awards from the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Born in Ernakulam in 1944, Jayachandran’s musical journey began in school and under G. He flourished due to his collaboration with leading music directors like Devarajan and P. Bhaskaran. His first song was featured in the 1965 film Kunjalimarkar But this was his iconic track Manjhalayil Mungithorthi Which actually started his illustrious career.