From Trisha to Sowcar Janaki, from Varalaxmi to Sachchu, from Simran to L.R. Eshwari — there is no dearth of women in the industry whose lives Jayalalithaa influenced. Not only was she a strong feminist role model to any young girl wanting to enter Kollywood over the years, she also showed that any actress could hold her own in the male-dominated field — and emerge successful. Even as the state struggles to cope with her passing, some of these ladies from across generations tell us why she’ll always remain their Amma.
I am inspired by her to help TN: Namitha
I was inspired and impressed by Amma’s ideologies. Not only did she give priority to women’s education, she also provided them support by helping them get good jobs. Her duty as CM was of utmost importance to her. People called her ‘Amma’ with love only because she looked after them all just as a mother would. My heart is broken on her sad departure. I’m inspired by her to help and support Tamil Nadu as much as she did — but even if I reach half her potential, I’ll be blessed. Even though I’m sad, broken and helpless at her departure, I’m content knowing that heaven has opened its gates for her!
Jayalalithaa is a people’s leader: Sowcar Janaki
She is a year older to my elder daughter, Yagnaprabha, and they studied in the same school at Church Park Convent. I always remember her as a beautiful cherubic doll, all of five years old, when her mom, Sandhya, would drop her at my house every day. She would go with my daughters to school. My kids would always tell me how Ammu (as Jayalalithaa was known to close family and friends) would excel in studies, sports and in every extra-curricular activity in school. That’s the numero uno attitude which later made her the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.
I was closer to her mother, Sandhya, as we worked together in many Tamil and Telugu films and several Kannada films, alongside Dr Rajkumar. Sandhya used to be always very proud of her daughter.
Jaya was a self-made woman. Though she had the support of the great late MGR, she had retained her originality and was highly independent. Her integrity was unquestionable, be it films or politics. When she assumed charge as the CM for the first time, she called me at about 9.30 pm and said, “I don’t have time to send the invite. Please accept this as my personal invitation and do attend the swearing in ceremony.”
Another thing which we veterans will not forget, was the lunch she hosted for us to celebrate 100 years of cinema. It was a memorable event and Jaya spent time with every artist. She seemed very excited and content.
Ihad the habit of sending letters and notes to her regularly as an admirer of her administration and other things. During the lunch, she told me that she preserved all my letters and complimented me on having written them beautifully! We had a mutual admiration for each other. We have lost an unparalleled and dynamic woman and leader, whom noone can replace.
She will always live among us: Simran
I’ve met Jayalalithaa a few times and after every meeting, I have got the energy to carry on with my life. She is my role model and will always be. I am extremely sad now. When the news of her ill-health was announced, I couldn’t bear it. She was a powerful strong lady and was inspiring. Without seeing a person’s social status and religion, she would always consider everyone as her family. I would call her the real ‘Iron Lady’ as she has overcome hurdles with poise. Right from her childhood to her acting stint to her political journey, she always maintained her dignity and control over her work. I am glad that she has left a beautiful impact on the society and her funeral happened in a sensible manner without any chaos. Hundreds of people were not able to visit her yesterday, but I could feel them connect in spirit. Her death comes as a huge loss for the state and for all the women. She will always live among us!
She was my most favourite person: Trisha
Trisha couldn’t pay her last respects to Amma due to chaos at the venue, and left with a heavy heart. She posted about her disappointment, and said that the ‘throne would be waiting for Jayalalithaa on the other side’.
She also added that this was TN’s darkest day and that Chennai would never be the same again, but was proud to have studied in the same school (Church Park) as the late CM.
Ammu had a very sharp memory: Sachchu
Everyone in my family here and abroad were praying for Ammu’s (that’s how Sachchu calls her) speedy recovery. She was a fighter with strong willpower. For her, AIADMK was everything in life. I think her subconscious mind would have been working as to how the state would be without her physical presence.
When the famous comedian Nagesh was once admitted to the General Hospital in Chennai, with problems with his liver and lungs, everyone had given up hope on the actor. But he survived and lived for a long time and acted in many movies later on. Likewise, we too were confident of Jayalaithaa returning. (sighs)
Ammu had a very sharp memory and would never forget things easily. When she won the elections and became CM for the first time, I went to congratulate her. I had gone with a bouquet and sweets. To my surprise, she said, ‘nothing will equate to your paati’s sweet poli with ghee!’ She even recalled the days we shot for MGR’s Kumari Kottam in 1970, when my grandmother had visited Sathya Studios with hot polis made by her. In fact, she fed Ammu with her own hands.
After she became the CM, once she was distributing pensions to aging artistes at a function. She noticed Sundaram — her makeup man during her initial days — in a corner in the long queue and called out to him loudly. All of us, including Sundaram, were shocked. But Ammu’s concern was why he was there, if he was suffering from a financial crisis, and so on! That shows that she never forgot her past.
Amma is an iron lady: LR Eswari
I sang for Amma when she made her screen debut in Tamil with Vennira Aadai, and it was her first ever song picturisation. It was a proud moment for me. It goes like this: Nee Enbadhenna, Naan Enbadhenna, Oru Ninaivu Enbadhenna… Nilayilladha Oru Olga medayil NaanumVandhadhenna (Who are you? Who am I? Why am I here, a place where life is not constant)
Madam has been a big achiever — be it in films or politics. She was an ‘Iron Lady’, who was bold and resilient and who faced innumerable problems with grit. She is still living amongst us.
Jaya would quietly sit on the sets: MN Rajam
I have acted with Ammu’s mother, Sandhya, in many movies. She even acted as my mother in a movie. Jaya was a small kid who used to accompany her mom for the shoots. She would look beautiful, just like a freshly plucked rose! I still remember her face. Unlike other children, who were curious to go around the sets and play games, Jaya would quietly sit in the corner and read comics or draw something.
A loss for the country: Varalaxmi Sarathkumar
This is a great loss, not only to the state of TN but for the entire country. Jayalalithaa was the epitome of an iconic leader and had been a source of motivation for youngsters as well as women across the globe. The strength, power and royalty that she portrayed are something that we need to learn. She was well-read, educated and never lost her temper in public, which definitely takes a lot of effort. Also, having met her a couple of times, I have understood that she is extremely observant. I performed the opening song at the 100 years of Indian Cinema Centenary celebrations in 2013. When I met her two years later, she remembered me and asked if I was the one who performed at the event. I was really shocked! I think politicians in her cadre should now take the reins and fulfill her wishes — that will be the gift that they can give her. She will be sorely missed and we must strive to be like her.
