3^rd March 1944-9^th January 2025

In the late 70’s and during most of the 80’s , Tamil film music saw a plethora of new music directors, singers, lyricists , with trend-setting music styles that gave listeners a completely new way of experiencing film music. Although the legends TMS, PS , MSV , Kannadasan were still holding out despite strong competition, it was the time of K J Yesudas, S P Balasubrahmanyam, Vani Jayaram, S Janaki , Ilayaraja, Shankar-Ganesh,  T Rajendar, Vairamuthu, Gangai Amaran just to name a few. The complete list will be covered in my future blogs! But among the new singers , there was a singer from  Kerala , who had the unique ‘ midas’ touch-whatever he sang  became a super-hit !  There was not a single day without his song Rasathi Unne Kaanatha Nenju being aired . With a voice that closely resembled his illustrious peer from the same state, K J Yesudas ,  with a softer tone, Paliyath Jayachandran or P Jayachandran was known for having maximum percentage of hits . His association with Ilayaraja was one of the most successful combinations during the 80’s.

 P Jayachandran had a great career in the Malayalam film industry  but his repertoire in Tamil is also equally rich. Jayachandran was born in Bhadralayam, Ravipuram, Ernakulam, to Thiripunithura Ravivarma Kochaniyan Thampuran, a member of the Cochin Royal family,  and Subhadra Kunjamma . He was the third among the five children his parents had. Jayachandran graduated in Zoology from Christ College, Irinjalakuda. He had his schooling at  the Irinjalakuda National High  School from where he received many prestigious prizes for playing the Mridangam and light music in the State School Youth Festival. He completed his graduation in Zoology from the Christ Church college , Irinjalakuda.

Music was in his blood, his father Thiripunithura Ravivarma Kochaniyan Thampuran being  a learned musician, though not a professional singer. His mother Subhadra Kunjamma was also a great music lover and  encouraged him  to learn the notes of Mridangam. In a young age , with his mother’s encouragement , he  became well-versed with the mridangam.

Although he had not learnt any sort of classical music, his musical insight and his genuine love for music had helped him in winning many  music contests he had participated. His elder brother Sudhakaran, was a close friend of Yesudas, and  was instrumental in helping Jayachandran become a professional singer. Jayachandran used to sing the songs taught by his brother in school functions.

Jayachandran got married to Lalitha in the year 1973, who was also an ardent lover of music and  always encouraged  him. They had  a daughter named Lakshmi and a son called Dinanath. His daughter and son are also singers .

Jayachandran was also a great lover of Hindi songs in his young days. I have seen some of his interviews in which he has talked about his admiration for the great Mohammad Rafi who had inspired many other great singers of South like SPB, Yesudas .

Like few  other singers, in his case also the song he had recorded first was released later ! His song for the 1965 Malayalam film Kunjali Marakkar , Oru Mullappo Malayumai ( music composed by B.A Chidambaranath) got released later and his Manjalayil Mungithorthi song, composed by G. Devarajan in the film Kalithozhan (1966) came earlier.  Later on,  his song in the 1967 film Udhyogastha , ‘ Anuragaganam pole’ became a famous one followed by some more that fetched him great fame like the M S Vishwanathan composed Neelagiriyude (‘Suprabhaatham’) for the film Panitheeratha Veedu in 1973  for which he got the Kerala State award for best playback singing.

Music composer M B Sreenivasan was well-known for his intricate and off-beat compositions and his  song Ragam Sreeragam for the film Bandhanam fetched Jayachandran another Kerala state award . He was the recipient of the national award in the year 1985 for Sivasankara Sarva Saranya Vibho in Sree Narayana Guru composed by G. Devarajan.

Since my blogs are about Tamil and Hindi film songs, let us turn to Jayachandran’s Tamil film career. His first Tamil film song was Thanga Chimizh Pol , composed by the veteran M.S Vishwanathan for the 1973 film Manipayal. However he got noticed first in Tamil films with his song Manthara Malare,  Manthara Malare for the film Naan Avan Illai that was composed by MSV. Though this song became popular , his major hit came with  the two duets he sang for the 1976 film Moondru Mudichu, Aadi Velli Thedi Unnai and Vasantha Kala Nadigalile , composed by MSV. In the year 1978, Ilayaraja’s  songs for Jayachandran  started a long & successful  association between them  , like  Vazhkaiye Vesham for Aarilinthu Arubaduvarai and Chitira Chevvanam Sirikkakanden & Oru Vanavil Pole  for Kaatrinile Vraum Geetham.

Jayachandran continued his glorious innings with Ilayaraja till 90’s but the peak was in 80’s with many super hits in this decade. Jayachandran had sung some memorable songs with many other music directors also and I have tried to organize my song selection into 3 categories. His songs with MSV, Ilayaraja and Other composers.

Jayachandran won a National Award, five Kerala State Awards and four Tamil Nadu State Awards. In the year 2001, he was honoured with the  Swaralaya Kairali Yesudas Award. In 2020, he was awarded the J. C. Daniel Award, the highest award in Malayalam cinema, for his outstanding contributions to Malayalam cinema. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest expression singers in South India.

Jayachandran died from liver cancer in Thrissur, Kerala, on 9 January 2025, at the age of 80.  He was cremated with full state honours at his ancestral home in Chendamangalam, North Paravur, Kerala on 11 January 2025.

His songs for MSV

1. Manthara Malare Manthara Malare- Naan Avan Illai-1974-Kannadasan & Bhaskaran-Duet with L R Eashwari

With a Tamil-Malayalam mix of lyrics, this is a very unique song , with the Tamil lyrics having a Malayalam touch and Malayalam lyrics having a Tamil touch. Jayachandran  brings out the expressions so well in his very first major hit song.

2. Adi Velli, Thedi Unnai-Moondru Mudichu-1976-Kannadasan-Duet with Vani Jayaram

I had written about the other famous song from this movie, Vasantha Kaala Nadigalile in my earlier blogs and so included this here. A classic Kannadasan’s anthathi style lyrics, composed so beautifully by MSV and rendered equally well by both, Jayachandran and Vani Jayaram

3. Paalabhishekam Seiyavo-Muthana Muthallavo-1976-Vaali-Duet with P Susheela

I think many would have forgotten this song-a rare , pleasant melody by MSV . Jayachandran’s Tamil diction was a great strength for him, coupled with his melodious voice and a soft, silky rendition.

4. Swing Swing Unathu-Vanakkathukuriya Kathaliye-1978-Vaali-Duet with Vani Jayaram

I have observed that some songs become rare as they are forgotten after the time in which they were released. I heard this sweet melodious duet after a long time. A rare occasion when Jayachandran sang for the Superstar Rajinikant!

5. Kalai Magal Alaimagal-Velli Ratham-1979-Vaali-Duet with P Susheela

That rhythm pattern is trademark MSV…one more song that must have been forgotten . Vaali’s powerful lyrics add so much meaning to the song beautifully rendered by Jayachandran and Susheela.

6. Kavithai Arangerum Neram-Antha Ezhu Naatkal-1981- Kuruvikkarai Shanmugam-Duet with S Janaki

Out of the many songs composed by MSV for Jayachandran, this must be the most popular one. It is said that the lyricist Kuruvikkarai Shanmugam learnt how to play the harmonium in order to do full justice to this song! Jayachandran renders a power-packed song.

7. Neeril Oru Thamarai-Nenjatai Alli Thaa-1984-Vaali

One more rare song that I discovered only while searching for this blog. Usually actor Mohan always had SPB doing the playback for him and had innumerable hits with him,  but this is one has  Jayachandran singing for him.

His songs for Ilayaraja

1. Vazhkaiye Vesham-Aarilirinthu Arupathu Varai-1978-Panchu Arunachalam

The long and successful association of Ilayaraja and Jayachandran started off with the song Poonthendrale Nalla Neram from the 1977 film Bhuvana Oru Kelvijuri and they together are said to have worked for around 90+ songs, with a huge percentage of them being super hits. This song , a pathos  for Rajinikant in an off-beat role is sung with so much of expression  by Jayachandran.

2. Chitarai Chevvanam-Katrinile Varum Geetham-1978- Panchu Arunachalam

Ilayaraja creates a perfect ‘ boat’ song and Jayachandran complements perfectly with his expressive singing.

3. Mancholai Kilithano-Kizhakke Pogum Rail-1978-Muthulingam

One of the most popular  , but so-difficult-to-sing  songs from the team of Ilayaraja and Jayachandran . The prelude is one of the best ever by IR and not only the prelude, even the interludes are simply outstanding. Jayachandran does full justice to the song that is truly difficult to sing. When this film was released , this song became one of the greatest hits!

4. Manjal Nilavukku Indru-Muthal Iravu-1979-Kannadasan- Duet with P Susheela

It was the time when whatever IR composed turned out to be pure gold! This one with the rhythm of a train is well known for the excellent orchestration

5. Thalattuthe Vaanam-Kadal Meengal-1981-Panchu Arunachalam-Duet with S Janaki

IR used to innovate in each one of his songs with something unique. This song is always remembered for that peculiar percussion. This is also a ‘boat’ song but note the difference between this and Chittira Chevvanam.

Jayachandran comes out with a softer tone for this romantic number and make it so sweet to hear.

6. Poonthendral Kaatre Vaa-Manjal Nila-1982-Gangai Amaran- Duet with P Susheela

It is amazing to note that Jayachandran has sung excellent duets with all the main female playback singers like P Susheela, S Janaki and Vani Jayaram. And added to that some of the superb solos as well!

7. Kalidasan Kannadasan-Soorakottai Singakutti-1983-Vaali-Duet with P Susheela

This was one more song of Jayachandran that was so popular during the 80’s just like Rasathi Unne. Hardly a day passed without hearing this song , those days!

8. Indraiku Yen Intha Ananthame-Vaidehi Kathirunthal-1984-Gangai Amaran-Duet with Vani Jayaram

A superb Aabhogi raagam based composition of IR, this is a true masterpiece from Jayachandran and Vani Jayaram. I personally would rate this among the topmost songs of Jayachandran.

9. Rasathi Unne Kaanatha Nenju- Vaidehi Kathirunthal-1984-Vaali

The song that is immediately identified with Jayachandran. A simple tune that was rendered with full expressions by Jayachandran that remains evergreen to this day. I came across an article that said in a place called Cumbum in Tamil Nadu , a herd of wild elephants used to wait near a theatre in which this film was running and the elephants listened intently to this particular song and would disperse once the song was over! 

10. Kathirunthu Kathirunthu- Vaidehi Kathirunthal-1984- Vaali

I was surprised to read about how all the three super hit songs from the film Vaidehi Kathirunthal were recorded in a single day! What a great team IR and Jayachandran were!

11. Kodiyile Mailliaypoo-Kadalora Kavithaigal-1986-Vairamuthu-Duet with S Janaki

One of my all-time favourites and definitely among the outstanding compositions of IR that were the pinnacles of his orchestration skills. The typical multi-layered instrumental arrangement, coupled with an outstanding singing by both Jayachandran and S Janaki…a song that will last forever.

12. Mayanginen Solla Thayanginen-Naane Raja Naane Manthiri-1986-Vaali- Duet with P Susheela

Those vintage flute notes of IR, Jayachandran’s soft romantic touch in his voice, Susheela going strong even in her 50’s -all make this one more evergreen song.

13. Poova Eduthu Oru Maala-Amman Koil Kizhakala-1986-Gangai Amaran-Duet with S Janaki

Vijayakant and Jayachandran were a hit pair and the last few songs and this one are classic examples.

His songs for other music directors

I myself was all along thinking that Jayachandran’s top songs were composed by either MSV or Ilayaraja. So it was a pleasant surprise to note he has rendered some great songs with many other composers . Although a major part of his repertoire in Tamil films consisted of songs composed by Ilayaraja, M S Vishwanathan and Shankar-Ganesh, there were at least some 40 other music directors for whom he has sung. Of course for most of them it could have been just in a single digit.

1. Pennalla Nee Oru Bommai-Sonthamadi Nee Enakku-1977-V Kumar-Vaali-Duet with P Susheela

I had written about the composer V Kumar in this blogsite-a great composer but was not so lucky in getting the recognition he richly deserved. This is a rare gem from one the early years of Jayachandran.

2. Ennodu Ennenavo Ragasiyam-Thoondil Meen- 1977-V Kumar-Vaali- Duet with Swarna

V Kumar’s wife Swarna was a good singer and it was truly great of him not to impose her in his compositions-he had mostly composed with other leading female playback singers only. This is a superb song, with the unique orchestration style of V Kumar evident throughout.

3. Poovannam Pola Nenjam- Azhiyada Kolangal-1979- Salil Chowdhury-Gangai Amaran-Duet with P Susheela

The great legend from Bengal , who had given some of the most intricate and melodious songs in Bengali, Hindi and in his later years , in Malayalam , Salil Chowdhury worked for a handful of Tamil films also. This one from Azhiyada Kolangal was a super hit and is a lilting , trademark Salil da composition that , at the time of its release , came as a whiff of fresh  breeze.

4. Vasantha Kalangal-Rail Payanangalil- 1981-Music & Lyrics-T Rajendar

T Rajendar was known for his unique style and out-of-the-box thinking in terms of tune and lyrics. Among Jayachandran’s top songs , this one will always be featured.

5. Kannil Vanthai Nenjil Nindrai-Lottery Ticket-1982- L Vaidyanathan-Muthulingam

L Vaidyanathan had composed music for few films only and is known for his unconventional  tunes. One more song that Jayachandran sang for Mohan .

6. Malaro Nilavo Malai Magalo- Raaga Bandhangal-1982-Kunnakkudi Vaidyanathan-Kannadasan

Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan, a legend in playing the violin , had a successful innings in composing for Tamil films. Many of his songs have been brilliant. This Hindolam based song is somehow forgotten and it is truly sad. Jayachandran has rendered this classical number with so much of expression and perfection.

7. Sangeethame En Deiveegame-Kashmir Kadali-1983- G K Venkatesh-Pulamaipithan-Duet with P Susheela

Mentor of Ilayaraja , G K Venkatesh was a genius , and was a legend in the Kannada film music. He composed for few Tamil films and whatever he composed were great songs. This song deserved much better recognition , but like it happens for many good songs, got into the rarely-heard category.

8. Mounamulla Mayakkam-Azhagu-1984-G K Venkatesh-Vairamuthu- Duet with S Janaki

One more rare gem from the great G K Venkatesh. The string arrangement is something great , for which GKV was well-known. A soft and pleasing romantic duet.

9. Paal Nilavu Kaynthathen-Yaro Azhaikiraragal-1985-Shankar Ganesh-Vaali

Shankar Ganesh came out with some very good songs now and I was surprised to note Jayachnadran had sung a good number of songs for them. Hoiwever I could observe very few were popular or good. This one stands out for excellent guitar and Jayachandran renders a soulful number.

10. Thirunaalum Varumo Swaami-Isaikku Oru Koil-1987-K V Mahadevan-??- Duet with P Susheela

This was a Tamil dubbed version of the Telugu film Shrutilayalu. This could be the only film in which Jayachandran sang for K V Mahadevan. The original Telegu version had K J Yesudas singing the same song. I tried my best to find out the lyricist for this song , but could not find !

Acknowledgement & Disclaimer 

I sincerely thank the publishers of following blogsites & Internet sources for the information that I could gather for this article:

1. You Tube
2. Wikipedia
3. http://www.tamil2lyrics.com

The songs mentioned are from the popular, public domain and have been embedded here   only for the listening pleasure of the music lovers. The photograph is taken from the internet, duly recognizing the full copyrights for the same to the  original creator or the site where they were originally displayed .This blog does not claim any copyright over them, which rests with the respective owners of the rights.