Kochi: Renowned playback singer Paliyath Jayachandran, affectionately called ‘Bhava Gayakan’ for his soulful renditions, passed away in Thrissur yesterday.  He was 80.

Jayachandran, who was unwell for quite some time died around 7.55 pm while undergoing treatment at a private hospital here, hospital sources said. He was taken to the hospital after collapsing at his residence on Thursday, they added.

He is survived by his wife Lalitha and children Lakshmi and Dinanath (singer). His body was kept for the public to pay homage at his residence in Punkunnam today and was later shifted to Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi. Last rites will be held at Paliyath House, Chendamangalam in Ernakulam                                 district tomorrow. 

The singer recorded over 16,000 songs in Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Hindi in a career spanning over five decades. His hit songs in Kannada movies include Olavina udugore kodalenu from the movie Olavina Udugore, Hindusthanvu endu mareyada from Amrutha Galige, Mandara pushpavu neenu from Ranganayaki and Chanda chanda from the movie Maanasa Sarovara among other hit songs.

He was a recipient of various awards including  J. C. Daniel Award for his outstanding contributions to Malayalam cinema, Kalaimamani award by Tamil Nadu Government for 30 Years in Tamil Film Music, Swaralaya Kairali Yesudas Award, National Film Awards, Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and Asianet Film Awards among others.