Telugu film industry mourns loss of Jayalalithaa

Hyderabad: Telugu film industry Tuesday mourned the death of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa with her co-stars paying her rich tributes.

Veteran actors Jamuna, Krishna and Mohan Babu recalled the moments they shared with her on and off the sets.

Jamuna said 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 artistes, especially 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 softspoken person.

Another veteran actor Mohan Babu, expressing profound grief over Jayalalitha's demise, described her as the symbol of woman power.

"And the curtains come down to the journey of one of the most charismatic and humble humans being #jayalalithaa Garu. Symbol of woman power. 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 Praying alongside my Tamil brothers and sisters. No words can express this loss. May her soul Rest In Peace," he tweeted.

"Rip my dearest super woman Jayalalitha Garu. You'll always be with us through your inspiration, " tweeted Jayasudha, another veteran actress.

Jayalalitha had a memorable stint in Telugu films during which she was romantically linked with actor Sobhan Babu.

Several top actors of Tollywood have condoled the death of Jayalalitha.

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

"Deeply saddened at the loss of J Jayalalithaa garu. May her family and the whole of Tamil Nadu find strength at this time," said another popular actor Mahesh Babu.

"I remember my father speaking with great respect and fondness whenever he spoke of Jayalalitha Ji/May her Soul rest in peace," tweeted Nagarjuna Akkineni, whose legendary father Akkineni Nageswara Rao paired with Jayalalitha in some movies.

"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, " tweeted leading actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu:

"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," was how Tamannaah paid her tributes.