New Delhi: Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa has carved a niche for herself not only in Tamil Nadu politics but in national politics as well.
A close friend of Narendra Modi, she is keeping her cards open for post-poll scenario in 2014.
Whatever be the mandate, Jayalalitha is all set to play an important role in formation of the next government.
Let's have a look at some of the most interesting facts about the personal life and political journey of Jayalalitha who could turn out to be the kingmaker in 2014:
Jayalalithaa was the first heroine to appear in skirts in Tamil films but that was just one part of her persona. The other part was that of a brilliant student who was deeply interested in studies.
Despite of her obsession with films and acting in her younger days, she was always a voracious reader. It is said that she used to carry books during shooting of films and used to read then in between shots.
From a gorgeous and sultry film star, she went on to become the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on sheer strength of her determination and hard work. She was confronted with many bottlenecks but she managed to overcome all the roadblocks.
Jayalalithaa, was born in a Brahmin family on 24 February 1948 in Mandya district of the then Mysore State (now Karnataka).
Jayalalitha lost her father when she was just 2 years old. Her mother, who was devastated by her husband's death, moved over to Bangalore, where her parents lived, along with Jayalalithaa.
Jayalalithaa's mother joined Tamil film industry and started working with a new screen name ‘Sandhya'.
Jayalalithaa studied at Bishop Cotton Girls' School, Bangalore and Sacred Heart Matriculation School, Chennai.
