Actor Manoj K Jayan's Father KG Jayan Passes Away

Renowned Carnatic musician KG Jayan passed away at his residence at Thripunithura in Ernakulam district, Kerala, due to age-related illness on Tuesday.

He was 90.

The combo of Jayan and his twin brother KG Vijayan, popularly known as Jaya-Vijaya, once dominated the Malayalam music industry with their devotional compositions that are popular even to this day.

Jayan, who was also the father of Malayalam movie actor Manoj K Jayan, was undergoing treatment for various ailments over the last few months.

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A Musical Legacy
KG Jayan 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.

He had worked as a teacher in Karappuzha Government LP School for a few years before becoming a full-time musician.

Jaya-Vijaya’s devotional tracks, especially those dedicated to Swami Ayyappa, have received significant acclaim, and Jayan’s musical legacy includes over a 1,000 compositions, mostly in the Malayalam language.

Some of his evergreen compositions in Malayalam include Ayyanu Thunayay, Vishnumaayayil Piranna, Mamala Vaazhum, Sreekovil Nada Thurannu, Saranamayyappaa Swami Saranamayyappaa, Ayyappan Thinthakathom, and Malamukalil Vaazhum Devaa.

The duo has also contributed significantly to Malayalam cinema music with their compositions.

Accolades
Jayan’s contributions to music earned him many 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 the veteran musician the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in the country.

According to reports, his final rites will be held on April 17 (Wednesday). In addition to Manoj K Jayan, the late musician is survived by another son, Biju K Jayan. Jayan’s wife Sarojini had passed away a few years ago.