The sudden demise of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa has shocked Indians following which celebrities and politicians throughout the country have been showering tributes to the actress-turned-political leader.
Born as Komalavalli in February 1948, Jayalalithaa had excelled in studies earning top ranks. However, certain circumstances forced her to start her career as an actress at the age of 13 with English movie Epistle in 1961. Though she was unwilling to act, Jayalalithaa became one of the most successful actresses having performed in more than 140 movies in Tamil, Telugu and Kannada. For the uninitiated, Jayalalithaa has also acted in a Malayalam movie, which is the only Mollywood project she has been featured.
Malayalam celebs condole | Tamil celebs pay tribute | Bollywood celebs mourn
Jayalalithaa played as Salome, daughter of Herodias in director PA Thomas' Jesus, which was released in 1973. Her character dances for Herod king at his birthday banquet. Impressed by her performance, he offers her to ask for any gift she likes. In response, she requests him to gift the head of John the Baptist. Though Herod was grieved, he had to keep his promise and beheaded John in prison that was given to Salome who took it to her mother (Mark 6:21–28). Malayalam movie Jesus also stars Murali Das, Gemini Ganesan, Jayabharathi, Thikkurissy, MN Nambiar, KP Ummar, Jose Prakash, Bahadoor, VK Ramasamy and Innocent in significant roles.
Later in 1982, she joined All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) after being introduced to politics by her co-star MG Ramachandran (MGR), who founded the party. Having gained the support of people in Tamil Nadu, she was elected as the CM of the state five times. However, she was hospitalised on September 22 due to fever and dehydration, and after spending 75 days at Apollo Hospitals, the actress-turned-politician suffered a cardiac arrest on Sunday. The 68-year-old breathed her last on December 5.
Watch Jesus full movie here:
