The Rise of Amma aka Jayalalitha: India’s ‘Mother’ Politician

How Jayalalithaa came to be known as Amma? What contributed to her cult following? What’s behind her rise to power?

From MGR’s protege to six time chief minister of Tamil Nadu, J Jayalalitha’s political journey is of a woman who lived life on her terms. (Photo: PTI)

Born on February 24, 1928, in a family that served the Wodeyar Kings of Mysore, Jayaram Jayalalitha's is the most popular woman politicians in India. flamboyant and con birth name was Komalavalli.

Known as Amma to the world and 'Puratchi Thalaivi' (revolutionary leader) to her ardent followers Jayalalitha's rise in the male-dominated Tamil Nadu politics is the story of a woman living life on her terms.

Behind her cult following is the art of maintaining seclusion in public life and establishing a reign of 'freebies'.

If there is one thing that defines her politics it is ‘populist welfarism’. Watch The Quint’s video on the rise of Jayalalitha, India's mother politician.

Video Editor: Prashant Bhardwaj