Jayaram Jayalalitha – The Little Child who Became India’s Amma

By Soha Habib Jul 20 2021 2:30PM

Jayalalitha, or popularly called Amma, was an Indian actor, politician, former Tamil Nadu CM, Writer, and philanthropist. Amma was a legendary figure in the Indian political ecosystem and the state government gave her a massive 7 days mourn.

Legendary Jayalalitha – Journey from Celluloid Queen to a Politician

Jayaram Jayalalitha, or Jayalalitha, was a Politician, actress, philanthropist, and Writer. She was the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu who served for over fourteen years. In 1989, she was also the secretary of the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam Party. She was referred to as “Amma” by her party. The story of everybody calling her Amma is also interesting as she was nicknamed Ammu in her childhood. Today, we will try to cover the life of legendary Amma, i.e. Jayalalitha, in this article.

Amma Jayalalitha Success Story – Statistics

Full name: Jayaram Jayalalitha
Nationality: Indian
Date of Birth: 24th February 1948
Date of Death: 5th December 2016
Cause of Death: Cardiac Arrest
Profession: Politician, actress, philanthropist, Writer
Political Party: All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam
Popularly known: Amma

Jayalalitha Story – Early Life

Jayalalitha was born in Pandavapura taluk, Mandya district, in Karnataka on 24th February 1948 and was initially named Komalavalli. However, later the name ‘Jayalalitha’ was adopted to use in schools and colleges. Her name “Jayalalitha” was named after her two houses, “Jaya Vilas” and “Lalitha Vilas”.

Jayalalitha Wiki – Family

She belonged to a Tamil Brahmin Iyengar family. Her father’s name was Jayaram, a lawyer, and her mother’s name is Vedavalli, who took up a clerical position to support her family as Jayalalitha’s father, Jayaram, died when she was only two years old. Her paternal grandfather, named Narashiman Reganchary, served the Mysore kingdom as a surgeon.

Jayalalitha Bio – Education

Bishop Cotton Girl’s School, Bangalore
After shifting to Chennai, she joined Sacred Heart Matriculation School
Stella Maris College, Chennai

Fun Fact: Jaya was excellent in her academics. She even secured a gold medal in her 10th standard.

Jayalalitha Bio – Political Career

Jayalalitha joined the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam party in the year 1982.
In the year 1983, she became the secretary of All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam party
She was also a member of the Rajya Sabha from the year 1984 to 1989
In 1987, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam party (AIDMK) was split into two factions, one under Jayalalitha and another under MGR’s wife Janaki. This was done as MGR deceased due to a stroke
Jayalalitha became the leader of opposition in the year 1989
She became the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in the year 1991
She was later elected as the Chief Minister five times.

Jayalalitha Bio – Movies Career

Besides acting, Jayalalitha was trained in music, western, and classical piano. She also knew various dance forms such as Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Manipuri, Kathak, and Mohiniyattam.

In 1961 she acted in a Kannada film Sri Shaila Mahatame while she was a child
In 1962 she played the role of Lord Krishna in a dance sequence in the Hindi film Man- Mauji
1964 she acted in a Tamil movie Karnan
She has also played many roles in plays such as Malathi, The whole Truth, and Kaveri Thanda Kalaiselvi
She also worked in a Hindi film Izzat
She had several successful films such as Aayirathil Oruvan, Kavalkaran, Adimai, Penn, Thangam, Nam Naadu, Engal, Ragaiya Police 115
She also won a Filmfare award for her film Sri Krishna Satya in the year 1973
In the year 1974, she received “Nadippuku Ilakkum Vathutharav” from the Chief Minister and also won the Tamil Nadu Fan Award for the Best Actress for her 100th film Thirumangalyam.
In 1971 Jayalalitha also won the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for best actress for her film Thanga Gopuram.

Jayalalitha Bio – Awards and Achievements

The Government of Tamil Nadu awarded 1972 - J. Jayalalitha the Kalaimamani
1991 - J. Jayalalitha has received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of Madras
1992 - J. Jayalalitha received an Honorary doctorate from Tamil Nadu University
1993 - J. Jayalalitha received an Honorary doctorate from Madurai Kamaraj University
2003 - J. Jayalalitha received an Honorary doctorate from Agricultural University
2003 - J. Jayalalitha received an honorary doctorate from Bharathidasan University
2011 - The New Jersey General Assembly passed a resolution to appreciate her exemplary dedication as a leader of Tamil Nadu
2018 - Tamil Nadu Fisheries University was renamed as Tamil Nadu Dr J. Jayalalitha Fisheries University
2019 - Tamil Nadu Music and Fine Arts University was renamed as Tamil Nadu Dr J. Jayalalitha Music and Fine arts University
2020 - Tamil Nadu State Council for Higher Education Campus was renamed after her as Dr J. Jayalalitha Campus
2020 - Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus was renamed Puratchi Thalaiva Dr. j. Jayalalitha CMBT Metro.

Jayalalitha Bio – Illness and death

On 22nd September 2016, Jayalalitha was admitted to the Apollo Hospitals in Chennai due to acute infection and dehydration. She was suffering from pulmonary infection and septicemia.

On 4th December, she was again admitted to the hospital due to a cardiac arrest. On 5th December, she expired.

The state of Tamil Nadu had seven days of mourning. For public viewing, she was kept in Poes Garden and Rajaji Hall. She was interred on 6th December near the grave of her mentor M.G. Ramachandran. Her funeral was one of the biggest processions in India, and thousands attended it.

Jayalalitha Bio – Controversies

Few controversies that rose in Jayalalitha’s life are as follows

In 1996, she was arrested as 64 pieces of diamond-studded jewelry, thousands of saris, 91 designer watches, 19 automobiles, and 750 pairs of shoes were found in her resident
She organized a lavish wedding for her foster son and was alleged to have cost many million dollars
The 7 billion coal import scam – The import of coal during Jayalalitha’s time a case was filed against Jayalalitha by the Janata Party President alleging irregularities to the extent of 7 billion in the deal
On 27th September 2014, Jayalalitha was accused of misusing her office during her tenure.

Jayalalitha – Most Respected Women Politician

The Celluloid Queen turned into one of the most remarkable women politicians of all time. Though she entered the acting profession due to her mother’s urges, she performed reluctantly. She has presented herself as an icon and an inspiration to the incredibly profound nation.