Veteran playback singer P Jayachandran, fondly known as the Bhava Gayakan (Singer of Emotions) breathed his last on Thursday, January 9. He was 80 and was undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Thrissur.

The singer passed away at around 7.55 pm, hospital sources said, as per PTI. He was rushed to the hospital after collapsing at his residence on Thursday, they said.

Jayachandran, known for his soulful voice, sang in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Hindi languages. With a career spanning over six decades, he lent his voice to more than 16,000 songs.

The youngster displayed goalkeeping masterclass in the shoot-out, saving all four of Pakistan’s attempts after the match was drawn 1-1 in regulation time.

Defending champions India will now face off against China, who beat Pakistan in the first semi-final.

He collaborated with several renowned composers, including Ilaiyaraaja, A R Rahman, G Devarajan, M S Baburaj, V Dakshinamoorthy, K Raghavan, M K Arjunan, M S Viswanathan, Vidyasagar, and M Jayachandran among others. 

P Jayachandran bagged several awards including the National Film Award for Best Playback Singer, five Kerala State Film Awards, four Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, the JC Daniel Award from the Government of Kerala, and the Kalaimamani Award from the Government of Tamil Nadu.

He is survived by his wife, Lalithahuuugebet, daughter Lakshmi, and son Dinanathan. Jayachandran's mortal remains will be brought to his residence at Poomkunnam, Thrissur on Friday. His body will be laid at the Sahitya Academy Hall for the public to pay their last respects. The funeral of the legendary singer will be held at 3 pm on Saturday at his ancestral home in Chendamangalam.