Ajith takes a break from Thala 57 shoot; returns to Chennai to pay tribute to Jayalalithaa

Ajith, who has been busy with the shooting of his next movie with Siruthai Siva, has returned to Chennai from Bulgaria following the death of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa. The actor has paid his tributes at her 'samadhi' at Marina beach early morning on Wednesday, December 7.

Ajith wanted to pay homage to Jayalalithaa and boarded the flight to Chennai from Bulgaria soon after Jayalalithaa passed away. But the actor's wish to get a final glimpse of the actress-turned-politician did not materialise as she was laid to rest at 6.30 pm on Tuesday, December 6. After landing in Chennai, he along with his wife Shalini and brother-in-law Richard went to Marina beach, where Jayalalithaa was laid to rest.

The actor will reportedly meet new Chief Minister O Panneerselvam to express his condolence over Jayalalithaa's death. Ajith has been a fan of Jayalalithaa and they shared a warm relationship. The actor has expressed his condolence in a press release.

"I express my deepest condolences to my fellow citizens of Tamil Nadu and to the cadres of AIADMK on the demise of our beloved leader Honourable Dr.Puratchi Thalaivi Amma. She had fought many battles and stood tall among the leaders of our times. This news comes as a shock to me as we were praying for and hopeful of her speedy recovery. May her soul rest in peace. I pray to the almighty to give us the strength during this time of grief," Ajith said in the press release.

Meanwhile, Ajith's upcoming movie, which is presently being referred to as Thala 57, is progressing at a brisk pace. Currently, the scenes involving Ajith and Vivek Oberoi are being shot.

The Siruthai Siva-directorial movie has Kajal Aggarwal and Akshara Haasan as female leads. The Sathya Jyothi Films produced flick will hit the screens in April 2017.