Jayalalithaa passes away: Rajinikanth, Ajith, Vijay, Suriya, Dhanush and others mourn Amma's death

Tamil Nadu has lost one of its popular political leaders and actresses in the form of J Jayalalithaa, who died on Monday, December 5, after a prolonged illness. Her demise has left a huge void in Indian politics.

J Jayalalithaa was born in Mandya, Karnataka, in 1948 to Jayaram and Vedavalli in a Tamil Iyengar family. She lost her father when she was two years old and the responsibility of running the family fell on the shoulders of her mother.

The search for better livelihood took them to Chennai where her mother started working in films. This made it easy for Jayalalithaa to enter films, as filmmakers used to spot Jaya with her mother, and she was a known face. She entered the film industry as a child artiste.

Filmmaker, those days, used to look out for beautiful faces who could dance well and Jaya was blessed with both. Hence, it became a cakewalk for her to enter films. She started her acting career as a child artiste in Kannada movie Sri Shaila Mahathme in 1961. Jaya got the opportunity when the original girl, who was supposed to dance in the song, failed to turn up on time.

Gradually, offers started coming her way and she debuted as heroine in Kannada movie Chinnada Gombe. Vennira Aadai was her first Tamil movie as the female lead and the offers never dried up after her successful debut. And as they say, the rest is history. Jayalalithaa remained on top till she decided to follow in the footsteps of MG Ramachandran to enter politics.

The true test of her character came after she joined politics as it was not a bed of roses. Especially after the demise of MG Ramachandran, she had tough times in politics. But she displayed her strength by fighting all the odds. She served three terms as the chief minister of Tamil Nadu and passed away during her fourth term.

Her death has come as big loss to the film industry and politics. Cutting across all the barriers, people are mourning her death. Below, we bring to you the condolence message of celebrities.

Nikki Galrani: Loss of a true fighter,a woman who inspired many !!! You'll live on in the hearts of ppl forever #RIPAmma #IronLady #Jayalalithaa

Dhanush: #RIPAmma. The end of THE most inspirational era of Tamilnadu Politics. You leave behind a vast vacuum. #IronLady. #Shattered #empty #darkday

Priyamani: TN looses one of its greatest and boldest woman leaders who ruled the cinema industry and politics as well!and end of an iconic era!#RIPAmma

Sibi Sathyaraj: The nation has lost a great leader!You will remain in our hearts forever!Thanks for al the sacrifices you made for us! #Ripamma

Trisha: Rip my most favourite personD throne awaits U on d other side.Truly proud 2 hav studied in d same alumini n honoured 2 hav met u.#myAMMA

Viswanathan Anand: #Ripamma articulate & brave.She will be missed for her persona & charisma.As TN mourns its great daughter lets be together in its dark hour

Vijay Sethupathi: Very tragic, with a heavy heart we should accept that amma is no more,we are always indebt to you, gone not forgotten #RIPAmma our warrior

Kriti Kharbanda: #Ripamma a woman like no other. A true inspiration, the perfect role model.

Janani: Quintessence of class,fortitude,charisma and intelligence.... She will be missed forever! #RIPAmma

Madonna Sebastian: A great leader & a true fighter.
An inspiration to all.#RIPAmma

Prasanna: The inevitable had happened..unacceptable yet irrevocable end of an extraordinary life of this artist, a tall leader is unfortunate.#RIPAmma

Varu Sarathkumar: You will live in our hearts forever.. and be loved for eternity.. #RIPAmma