Thrissur: Renowned playback singer P. Jayachandran, who lent his voice to over 16,000 songs in Tamil, Malayalam, and several other languages, has passed away at the age of 80. He died while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Thrissur, Kerala. Born on March 3, 1944, in Ernakulam, he started learning music by following his father’s footsteps and excelled in it. Though he initially studied zoology, music remained his true calling.

Jayachandran recorded his first song in the Malayalam movie "Udyogastha" at the age of 23, with music composed by M.S. Baburaj. His entry into Tamil cinema was in 1973, through the song "Thangachimizh Pol" in the movie "Manipayal," composed by M.S. Viswanathan. He worked with legendary composers like Ilaiyaraaja, M.S. Viswanathan, A.R. Rahman, and many others. Some of his iconic Tamil songs include "Vasantha Kaalam Nadigalile" from "Moondru Mudichu," "Raasaathi Unna" from "Vaidehi Kathirunthal," and "Sollaamal Yaar Parthathu" from "Poove Unakkaga."

In his illustrious career spanning six decades, Jayachandran enchanted listeners with his soothing and emotive voice. His Malayalam hit "Sivashankara Sarva" earned him a National Award in 1975. He was also honored with the inaugural Swaralaya Kairali Yesudas Award in 2000, a significant achievement considering his association with legendary singer K.J. Yesudas since their younger days.

Though he is no longer with us, P. Jayachandran's voice will continue to resonate, leaving an everlasting impact on the world of music.