Jayalalithaa death: Telugu stars mourn Amma's loss!

New Delhi: The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, J Jayalalithaa, fondly revered as Amma passed away at Chennai's Apollo Hospital at 11.30 PM on Monday, December 5, 2016. The towering political personality will be cremated at MGR Memorial, Marina Beach on Tuesday evening.

While the entire nation is grief-stricken with Amma's death, Telugu film industry has expressed profound sadness over the demise. J Jayalalithaa started off as a leading actress during the mid 1960s. She was a popular face in the south as well as Bollywood films. She has appeared in 140 films from 1961 to 1980, primarily in the Tamil, Telugu and Kannada film industries respectively. 

Jayalalithaa was even revered as the 'queen of Tamil cinema' for her immense acting ability and contribution to the industry. Veteran actors Jamuna, Krishna and Mohan Babu recalled the moments they shared with her on and off the sets.

IANS quoted Jamuna as saying that Jayalalithaa was a model for women as she fought all odds to chart her own course and reached the dizzy heights of fame and success. Jamuna, who acted with Jayalalithaa in "Sri Krishna Vijayam" (1969), said she was fortunate to get an opportunity to work with her.

Interestingly, Jayalalithaa, who was then an upcoming actress played the main lead role in this film with legendary N.T. Rama Rao. The veteran actress said even after becoming the Chief Minister, Jayalalitha did not forget her co-stars and used to enquire about their well-being. Jamuna said Jayalalitha had great concern for all the artistes, especially the poor.

Superstar of yesteryears Krishna also paid rich tributes to Jayalalitha, who acted in about 25 Telugu films. Krishna, who worked with Jayalalitha in "Goodachari 116" (1967), described her as an affable and soft-spoken person.

Another veteran actor from the south, Mohan Babu, expressing profound grief over Jayalalitha's demise, described her as the symbol of woman power. Many stars from the Telugu and Tamil film industry took to Twitter to express their grief. They tweeted:

And the curtains come down to the journey of one of the most charismatic and humble humans being #jayalalithaa Garu. Symbol of woman power.

— Mohan Babu M (@themohanbabu) December 5, 2016

Had the honor of meeting her first when I was starting my career & many times after that.An amazing actor & an example for women &men alike

— Mohan Babu M (@themohanbabu) December 5, 2016

Praying alongside my Tamil brothers and sisters. No words can express this loss. May her soul Rest In Peace.

— Mohan Babu M (@themohanbabu) December 5, 2016

Rip my dearest super woman Jayalalitha Garu. You'll always be with us through your inspiration. Nandri. https://t.co/3S3nMM3FxF

— Dr Jayasudha (@JSKapoor1234) December 6, 2016

#Ripamma Great era comes to an end.But her majestic charisma and determination will continue to live and inspire many women in our country

— tarakaram n (@tarak9999) December 5, 2016

Deeply saddened at the loss of J Jayalalithaa garu. May her family and the whole of Tamil Nadu find strength at this time..

— Mahesh Babu (@urstrulyMahesh) December 6, 2016

I remember my father speaking with great respect and fondness whenever he spoke of Jayalalitha Ji/May her Soul rest in peace

— Nagarjuna Akkineni (@iamnagarjuna) December 6, 2016

Your life has been a series of fighting and winning.U gave us the will to fight and the hope that we can win. U will never die #AmmaForever

— Samantha Ruth Prabhu (@Samanthaprabhu2) December 6, 2016

We've lost an inspiring woman who's been a true fighter in every sense. She'll always be remembered. May her soul rest in peace. #RipAmma

— Tamannaah Bhatia (@tamannaahspeaks) December 6, 2016

#Jayalalithaa Deeply saddened shocked and moved . Such a Dynamic lady and powerful leader . RIP Amma.. vacuum in TN.

— Ranganathan Madhavan (@ActorMadhavan) December 6, 2016