Kollywood, Tollywood mourn Jayalalithaa

Much before she won over people in her political avatar, J Jayalalithaa was the uncrowned queen and a very popular pin-up star of Tamil and Telugu cinema during 1960s and 1970s. For all her reluctance to be an actor, her journey as one of the leading luminaries of South Indian cinema is more dramatic than any film script.

Jayalalithaa, 68, breathed her last on Monday after a bitter 74-day battle for life. Tollywood and Kollywood celebs, taking to Twitter and via statements, expressed their sorrow over her death.

She had starred opposite me in ‘Gudachari 116’. The film helped her to attain mass image and there was no looking back for her ever since. She did ‘Niluvudopidi’ too with me, which went on to complete 100 days, besides starring in my production venture ‘Devudu Chesina Manushulu’, which too was a super hit. She later forayed into politics and became an MP, followed by becoming the CM of Tamil Nadu. She came up with many welfare measures and helped the poor. Her death is a great loss to the people of TN. May her soul rest in peace
– Krishna

Not just Tamil Nadu but India has lost a brave daughter.I pray to God to rest her soul in peace
- Rajinikanth

Jayalalithaa was a role model for women as she fought all odds to chart her own course and reached the dizzy heights of fame and success
- Jamuna

She is the symbol of women-power. She proved that not just male actors, even female actors too can achieve big in politics. The turnout to see her mortal remains are a sign of how popular she is and what she has achieved in her life. She likes Telugu a lot and I am her biggest fan. I might not have been born to her but still she is my mother. She has passed away way too early
—MAA president Rajendra Prasad

Rip my dearest super woman Jayalalitha Garu. You'll always be with us through your inspiration (sic)
- Jayasudha

Her death is not just a loss to Tamil Nadu but to the whole country. As a heroine and as a political leader, she has won the love of many people. Despite facing my obstacles in her political career, she has managed to be an inspiration for many women. And her welfare schemes have changed the lives of many poor and middle-class people for good. May her soul rest in peace
- Chiranjeevi

Praying alongside my Tamil brothers and sisters. No words can express this loss. May her soul Rest In Peace (sic)
– Mohan Babu

Her death is an irreparable loss. She left indelible impression on movie and political fields. She had acted in many movies with my father NTR. She was the epitome of women power and has been a role model for many. May her soul rest in peace
- Nandamuri Balakrishna

She was my senior at Church Park School, Chennai. I remember her going to shoots often. She earned more fame as a dancer than an as an actor. She succeeded in politics without having any background. Her welfare measures—from free laptops to school children and Amma Canteens—have been a huge hit across Tamil Nadu
- Suman

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

Very sad to know that Jayalalithaa is no more with us. She is a woman who has inspired many and stood strong always! May her soul rest in peace and may her deeds remain an inspiration to the rest (sic)
- Venkatesh

A people's person, strong-spirited, classy and a fighter to the end. Leaves a vacuum in people's heart, but leaves a piece of her in everyone who met her. You inspire all (sic)
- Radikaa
Respect and condolences to the people who love Puratchi Thalaivi Jayalalithaa... We will miss her forever
- AR Rahman

She had fought many battles and stood tall among the leaders of our times. I pray to the almighty to give us the strength during this time of grief
- Ajith
Heartbroken at Amma’s passing. A great lady who led us wth strength, vision, compassion n love. You left us too soon amma RIP #Jayalalithaa (sic)
– Gautami

Deeply saddened at the loss of J Jayalalithaa garu. May her family and the whole of Tamil Nadu find strength at this time (sic)
- Mahesh Babu

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

Rip my most favourite person, throne awaits U on d other side.Truly proud 2 hav studied in d same alumini n honoured 2 hav met u (sic)
- Trisha Krishnan

RIPAmma. The end of THE most inspirational era of Tamilnadu Politics. You leave behind a vast vacuum. #IronLady. #Shattered #empty #darkday (sic)
- Dhanush

TN loses one of its greatest and boldest woman leaders who ruled the cinema industry and politics as well!and end of an iconic era!#RIPAmma (sic)
- Priyamani

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 (sic)
- Samantha

TN loses one of its greatest leaders and bravest women- deeply saddened by this great loss – words cannot express (sic)
- Shruti Haasan

Always wondered abt her polity,courage and leadership. A charismatic, true larger than life persona. J.jayalalitha.May her soul rest in peace (sic)
- Koratala Siva