J. Jayalalithaa was an influential Indian politician and actress, born on February 24, 1948, in Melukote, Karnataka. She served as the Chief Minister of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu multiple times and was a prominent leader of the AIADMK party. Her political career began in the 1980s, and she became known for her strong leadership and welfare programs aimed at improving the lives of the poor. Before entering politics, Jayalalithaa was a successful film actress, appearing in over 140 films in various languages, including Tamil and Telugu. She was often referred to as "Amma," meaning mother, by her supporters. Jayalalithaa passed away on December 5, 2016, leaving a significant legacy in Indian politics.