Balance of power and charisma equals Jayalalithaa

Jayalalithaa Jayaram has gained the reputation of being one of the most controversial politicians in India. Through her chequered political career and the plethora of serious charges that have been levelled against her, her grit and determination to rise above them all is commendable.

Colourful career as an Actress

She was forced to start her career as an actress by her mother Sandhya, at the age of 15, and she made her debut in an A- rated film, which she herself was not allowed to watch! Her character in the film was that of a widow, which in itself was a rather inauspicious start to a career. She has acted in more than 100 films.

Blow-hot, blow-cold relationship with MG Ramachandran

Jayalalithaa had an electric on-screen chemistry with MG Ramachandran. He was well aware of the fact that she was very indepedent in nature and acted on her own volition. He grew suspicious of her. She was spied on and also beaten by him. When MGR's career in the film started to spiral he took Jayalalithaa as the main propaganda secretary to his political party. Her charisma and proximity to MGR set her apart in the party. After MGR passed away in his sleep on 24 December 1987, she eventually became the leader of the party.

Feminine machismo

After years of succumbing to the pressures of a highly male chauvanistic film industry, the actress turned politicians has made a statement by being the most powerful woman in the Tamil Nadu politics, her presence can make even the more powerful shudder in despair.

Leader of the masses

Known for her tireless work to uplift poverty, Jayalalithaa inspired immense loyalty among the public and is dearly called 'Amma' or Mother and 'Puratchi Thalaivi' (Revolutionary leader) by her folllowers.

Amassing wealth

She has had an infamous reputation of having an extravagant lifestyle and police found more than 1,00,000 saris and 750 pairs of shoes in her premises. She was at the helm of a massive 66.6 crore dispropotrionate assets case in the years 1991-96, 2001-2006, and May 2011-2014, by the Karnataka High court, but has always had an uncanny ability to wriggle out of periods of adversity and make an earth shattering comeback, like this year in the month of May as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu.

The Foster Sons' lavish wedding

She got the nephew of her confidante, Sasikala Natarajan , married off in one of the most expensive and controversial weddings in the states history. It broke the world record for the sheer detail that went into it, the guest list included more than 150,000 people.

Known to be extremely God fearing

There are long tales about her lavish poojas performed at her residence and the generous donations made to a number of temples.

According to the Hindu calender, she was born under the zodiac star called Makkam and according to a famous Tamil proverb "Makkathu pen jagthilum illai" which means that a woman born under this star is the most unique in the entire universe. And it all seems to fit for Jayalaitha.