P Jayachandran turns 80; celebrating a quiet birthday

Thrissur: Veteran singer P Jayachandran will forgo celebrations for his 80th birthday on Sunday due to prevailing health issues. Though his close friends had plans to celebrate the day, the singer has opted to stay at his residence in Thrissur. 

Born on March 3, 1944, in the Thiruvathira Nakshatra of Kumba month, Jayachandran observes his birthday every year at Guruvayur temple. However, breaking from this routine, he has decided to heed the advice of his doctors this year.

Jayachandran noted that offering prayers at Guruvayur temple is the most precious gift to him. He revealed that he began the tradition of visiting Guruvayur on his birthday alongside his mother.

"After visiting Guruvayur for darshan, I head back home and enjoy a meal with my wife. This is my routine on birthdays. I seldom accept any presents. However, in the evening, if my dear friends come over with a birthday cake, I have no option but to join in their festivities," he said. 

Jayachandran was the third of five children of Rama Varma Kochaniyan Thampuran, a member of the Kochi royal family, and Paliath Subhadra Kunjamma. 

In 1986, he won the National Film Award for Best Male Playback Singer. He won the Kerala State Film Award five times and the Tamil Nadu State Film Award twice. In 2020, he was bestowed with the J. C. Daniel Award, the highest award in Malayalam cinema.