Jayalalithaa (1948 – 2016) – dream girl turned ‘puratchi thalaivi’ turned ‘amma’ – lived a life that would, at once, inspire awe and admiration from her well-wishers and detractors alike. During Her life time, she shone as a glamourous actress and an able administrator in films and politics – both male bastions. A voracious reader with deep knowledge in varied subjects, she excelled in whatever she did, be it education, performing arts or Language skills from a young age, and later in cinema and politics too as the world would see.What is all the more striking about Her remarkable achievements is the fact that none of her choices were hers.
Destiny’s Child
Jayalalithaa sure was a destiny’s child. After her father died when she was barely two years old, Jayalalithaa grew up in the shadow of women – her mother and aunts. Despite being a topper in the Matriculation exams, she was pushed into films for sustenance. She fought her way to the top with MGR’s guidance and adorned sleeveless blouses, chic frocks and modern outfits in films, becoming a trendsetter for actresses of the time and for women in general.
As age caught up with her and eased her out of filmdom, MGR drew her into the whirlpool of politics. Facing stiff opposition from senior AIADMK ministers and party men, she quickly climbed up the ladder to become Propaganda Secretary, and Member of Parliament. The death of MGR threw her into wilderness for a while, but her tremendous fighting spirit saw her soon heading the party and assuming the mantle of Chief Minister. During her tenure of leadership, Sasikala was her closest friend.
While in public life, her wisdom, intelligence, wit and quick decision-making skills earned her widespread respect. She was a multilinguistic person,not many political leaders in our country could match her fluency in English, her clear diction or cool demeanour. Even when cornered during interviews, she either stonewalled them or bulldozed her way out of the situation.
Born Fighter
A born fighter, she stood out as a beacon of hope for the downtrodden, especially women. Her arrogance and ruthless determination ensured that she remained on top and make everyone around her sing her praise. Maybe, the insult and indignity that she suffered at the hands of some, who steered her life, gave her a vicarious pleasure in seeing the tribe, many holding high offices, prostrate before her. Perhaps such an iron hand was necessary to defend her against the vultures.
This story is from the December 2016 edition of Women Exclusive.
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This story is from the December 2016 edition of Women Exclusive.
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