P Jayachandran, Iconic Playback Singer, Dies At 80

Legendary playback singer P Jayachandran, known for his iconic songs in Malayalam and Tamil cinema, passed away at the age of 80 on January 9, 2025, at a hospital in Thrissur, Kerala. He had been suffering from liver-related issues in recent months.

P Jayachandran began his career in 1965 with the song "Oru Mullappoomaalayumayi" from Kunjali Marakkar, but it was his 1967 hit "Manjalayil Mungi Thorthi" from Kalithozhan that cemented his legacy. Over a six-decade career, he recorded more than 16,000 songs across multiple languages. The National Award-winning singer won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Playback Singer five times and the JC Daniel Award in 2020.

Besides singing, he also dabbled in acting, appearing in Nakhakshathangal (1986) and later in Trivandrum Lodge (2012). His contribution to Indian cinema remains unparalleled.