Famous playback singer P Jayachandran fondly called the Bhava Gayakan for his soulful renditions passed away at the age of 80. Jayachandran took his last breath on Thursday at a private medical college in Kerala. According to hospital sources the singer died while undergoing treatment. P Jayachandran was rushed to the hospital after he collapsed at his residence on Thursday. The singer was not keeping well for some time. P Jayachandran who recorded over 16000 songs in Malayalam Tamil Telugu Kannada and Hindi was widely recognised for his contribution to Indian music having won several awards for best playback singer. He was honoured with the National Film Award and the Kerala governments J C Daniel Award for his outstanding contribution to cinema. Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar condoled the demise of Jayachandran. The Governor said his endearing voice that charmed audience for six decades will go on to soothe peoples hearts. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the journey of the song that transcended time and space has come to a halt. He said Jayachandran was a singer who captured the hearts of people across India throughout an entire era. It can be said that there is no Malayali who has not been touched by Jayachandrans songs. Whether through film songs light music or devotional songs every note he sang found its way into the hearts of listeners he said. Besides music Jayachandran acted in several movies including Trivandrum Lodge Nakhakshathangal and Sreekrishnaparunth.He is survived by his wife Lalitha daughter Lakshmi and son Dinanathan who is also a singer. His body will be brought to his residence at Poomkunnam Thrissur on Friday and will be laid at the Sahitya Academy Hall for the public to pay their last respects. The funeral will be held at 3 pm on Saturday at his ancestral home in Chendamangalam. With PTI Inputs