Jayalalithaa was an 'Iron Lady' of the present times: Mammooty

Kochi [India], Dec. 6 (ANI): Asserting that late chief minister Jayalalithaa's demise will leave a huge gap in women empowerment in India, noted Malayalam actor Mammootty on Tuesday said that she was an 'Iron Lady' of the present time. Speaking to ANI here, Mammootty joined the nation and the grieving people of Tamil Nadu to pay condolences to Jayalalithaa, who passed away last night at Apollo Hospital in Chennai. Meanwhile, several names from the Tollywood industry including superstar Rajnikant and Dhanush besides noted Tamil lyricist Vairamuthu paid tributes to Amma at Rajaji Hall in Chennai, where her body has been kept. As soon as the announcement was made notifying the saddening passing away of Jayalalithaa, condolence and tributes for the veteran actor-turned-politician started pouring in, not only from politicians and supporters, but also from the entire film fraternity. From Thalaiva Rajinikath to Shehenshah Amitabh Bachchan to Badshah Shah Rukh Khan, all took to their respective Twitter handles to pay tribute to the late "bold leader." "Not only Tamil Nadu, but the entire India has lost a bold leader. I pray the Almighty for the peace of soul to our honourable Chief Minister," tweeted Rajinikanth. "Deeply grieved at the passing of Jayalalita ji... a strong woman... Jayalalitha ji (is) the only chief minister of a state that celebrated 100 years of Indian Cinema .. from all regions .. most admirable," wrote Big-B. SRK shared, "Sad to hear of the passing away of Jayalalithaaji.May her soul rest in peace." "#RIPAmma. The end of THE most inspirational era of Tamilnadu Politics. You leave behind a vast vacuum. #IronLady. #Shattered #empty #darkday," tweeted Dhanush. "TN loses one of its greatest leaders and bravest women- deeply saddened by this great loss - words cannot express," wrote Shruti Haasan. "A good heart has stopped beating, a good soul ascended to heaven. You were an inspiration to many . RIP #amma . #jayalalithaa ji #respect," tweeted Hansika Motwani. "I remember my father speaking with great respect and fondness whenever he spoke of Jayalalitha Ji/May her Soul rest in peace," wrote Nagarjuna Akkineni. "Very upset to hear about Jayalalitha's passing away. She was strong, had tremendous will power and carved a special niche for herself in politics," tweeted Hema Malini. 'Rang De Basanti' fame actor Siddharth "It is the end of an era! Arguably the most unparalleled daughter of Tamil Nadu... #RIP #PuratchiThalaivi Honbl. Chief Minister #Jayalalithaa." "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," wrote Gautami. "We have lost a people's leader, deeply grieved..!! #Ripamma #Ironlady," tweeted Suriya Sivakumar. Ram Gopal Varma shared, "The only time ever I went to a award function..Recieving from the one and only Amma,the best director award for Kshana kshanam." "RIP #Amma, You are our inspiration, greatest CM in many ways. You will always be remembered," tweeted Prabhudeva. "CM Jayalalithaa still lives in millions of heart. A politician with the soul of an artiste. May your soul rest in peace," wrote Kailash Kher. Amma will be cremated will full state honours at Marina beach today at 4:30 pm. (ANI)