Legendary Carnatic musician and singer KG Jayan has passed away at the age of 89. He breathed his last at his home in Tripunithura, Ernakulam district, Kerala, early on Tuesday morning. Jayan, the father of Malayalam film actor Manoj K Jayan, had been facing health challenges and receiving treatment for various ailments.
A luminary in the Malayalam music industry, Jayan’s compositions, especially his devotional tracks, have long been celebrated as chartbusters. Alongside his twin brother KG Vijayan, who passed away in the ’80s, Jayan produced enduring tracks that continue to resonate with Malayalees. Together, they were known as “Jaya-Vijaya” duo.
KG Jayan (right) is the father of ace Malayalam film actor Manoj K Jayan. (Image: Manoj K Jayan/Facebook)
As reported by Mathrubhumi, he was born on November 21, 1934, to Gopalan Thantri and Narayaniamma in Kottayam. Jaya-Vijaya’s journey into the world of Carnatic music began at the tender age of nine, under the guidance of Carnatic stalwarts such as the Alathur Brothers and Chembai Vaidyanatha Bhagavathar.
Jaya-Vijaya’s devotional tracks, especially those dedicated to Lord Ayyappa, received significant acclaim, and Jayan’s musical legacy includes over 1,000 compositions. Some of his evergreen compositions include “Ayyanu Thunayay”, “Vishnumaayayil Piranna”, “Mamala Vaazhum”, “Sreekovil Nada Thurannu”, “Saranamayyappaa Swami Saranamayyappaa”, “Ayyappan Thinthakathom” and “Malamukalil Vaazhum Devaa.”
KG Jayan with his son Manoj K Jayan and family. (Image: Manoj K Jayan/Facebook)
The duo’s collaborations with legends such as KJ Yesudas and P Leela further cemented their place in the hearts of music lovers. Notably, the track “Ishta Daivame Swami”, sung by Leela, marked a milestone as the first Ayyappa devotional song performed by a woman. They also composed songs for a couple of Malayalam films.
Listen to KG Jayan’s hit songs here:
Jayan’s contributions to music earned him prestigious accolades including the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award and the Harivarasanam Award, jointly instituted by the Government of Kerala and the Travancore Devaswom Board. In 2019, the Union government awarded Jayan the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in the country.
According to reports, his final rites will held on Wednesday. In addition to Manoj, Jayan is survived by another son, Biju K Jayan. His wife Sarojini passed away a few years ago.
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