J. Jayalalithaa has had a remarkable journey. Though like most prominent women politicians in India, she had a godfather in the person of M G Ramachandran, another film icon turned chief minister in a state that idolises its film stars no less than its politicians, she has managed to hold her own in the turbulent world of TN politics with tenacity, battling corruption charges and court cases, a prison sentence and attacks from a powerful Opposition.
She entered the film industry in 1964 (in the Kannada film Chinnada Gombe). She acted in 25 successful Telugu films with top stars N T Rama Rao, Akkineni Nageswara Rao, Jaggiah and Krishna. She was an excellent dancer, an essential pre-requisite for a film star. But she was also well-educated, could speak seven languages and was an avid reader.
Those who knew her in those far off days said that she never came to the sets late, was dedicated to her work, and never interfered in the work of others.
Some of those who worked with her recall their days with Jayalalithaa as an actress and as Chief Minister.
Superstar Rajinikanth paid her a rich tribute and described her as India’s brave daughter. “Not just Tamil Nadu but the whole of India lost a brave daughter. May her soul rest in peace,” Rajinikanth tweeted.His relative and hero Dhanush also paid floral tributes to Jaya Amma.
Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan also mourned her loss. Taking to Twitter, he wrote, “Sad to hear of the passing away of Jayalalithaaji…May her soul rest in peace.” Amitabh Bachchan also wrote that he is “Deeply grieved at the passing of Jayalalita ji .. a strong woman ..”
Vanisri:
She was an avid book reader. Whenever she had time before shots, she would be reading a book. If she was not reading, she would sit idle and never talk to anyone. She was a strong woman and always like a queen.
I don’t know the exact year (it was nearly 40 years ago), when some artistes that included me, Nageswara Rao, Jayalalitha, Chandra Kala and others, had come to Hyderabad.
After the event, we reached Begumpet airport and came to know that the flight was delayed for two hours.
The rest of us wandered around, ate something and talked to each other to pass the time, but Jayalalithaa sat alone in a chair and did not move for those two hours.
I was curious to know how it was possible to sit alone, and they told me that some people have that kind of personality from their childhood.
Initially, Jayalalithaa used to be accompanied to the sets by her mother and actress Sandhya, but then she used to come alone. She respected all her personal staff. I think she was the first actress to create a beauty parlour in her home.
Her hair stylist, make-up persons, everyone was treated well. But she never allowed them to stand in front of her or beside her; she would ask them to sit behind her.
She was always reading books, mostly in English. She spoke seven languages authentically and she was a highly intelligent person.
A few years ago my daughter Anupama became a doctor and received seven medals from the Tamil Nadu government. Her photo and articles were featured in all the papers. On the same day my husband got a call from the Chief Minister’s office saying the CM wanted to see me.
I was in Hyderabad at the time, and was a bit scared, wondering why the CM wanted to see me.
We had to wait for half-an-hour as she was visiting someone in hospital. The office staff treated us like we were very important persons and close to the CM.
It was an unforgettable moment for me and my family as she spent a good amount of time with us. She spoke to my daughter in English and asked about her future plans.
She told her that she is just a phone call away if she wants anything. She asked my son what he wanted to do in the future.
She was a strong woman and showed her emotions openly. I met her another time when she gave away the Kalaimamani award. She spoke to me very well then too.
Jamuna:
Jamuna is senior to Jayalalithaa and acted with her in a mythological film. She was very reserved and never talked to anyone on the sets. She would read books and was highly intellectual and knowledgeable.
Sarada:
Sarada acted with Jayalalithaa in a film titled Premalu Pellillu. Jayalalithaa created her own style as an actress. I have known many actresses, but no one matched Jayalalithaa. She was a wonderful actor and dancer.
Jayalalithaa was always interested in her work and never bothered about others. But that’s not a complaint. She did not mingle with others because that was her style of working. If you went and met her, she would talk.
Suresh Babu:
I was young when Jayalalithaa became a successful actress. I still remember that my father produced her 100th film – Thirumangalyam – a remake of the Telugu film Jeevana Tharangalu.
I was a kid then. When I went onto the sets, I was surprised to see her reading a book. It was a rare sight at that time! She acted in Premalu Pellillu, which was co-produced by Rama Naidu. My family has always had a courteous relationship with Jayalalithaa. I met her on a few occasions after she became Chief Minister. She just smiled and said ‘hello’.
Sawkar Janaki:
Veteran actress Sowkar Janaki says that Jayalalithaa is one more daughter to her. “She is one year elder to my elder daughter Yagnaprabha and they studied in the same school at Church Park convent. I always remember as a beautiful cherubic doll when she was 5 years old when her mom Sandhya used to drop her at my house every day. She would go along with my daughters to school.
My kids would come and say as how Ammu used to excel in studies, sports and in every extra curricular activities in school. That’s the numero uno attitude which later made her the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu”.
Actor Ajith Kumar, who is currently shooting for his upcoming yet-untitled Tamil film in Bulgaria, said the news came to him as a “shock”. In a statement, he said, “She had fought many battles and stood tall among the leaders of our times. I pray to the almighty to give us the strength during this time of grief.”
Recalling her meeting with Jayalalithaa, Trisha wrote on Twitter: “RIP my most favourite person. The throne awaits you on the other side. Truly proud and honoured to have met you.”
Describing Jayalalithaa as one of the bravest women, Shruti Haasan wrote, “TN loses one of its greatest leaders and bravest women. Deeply saddened by this great loss. Words cannot express.”
