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Amma: Jayalalithaa's Journey from Movie Star to Political Queen
Jayalalithaa’s journey from glamorous star of Tamil cinema to political queen is the dramatic story of a woman who has risen again and again from humiliation, imprisonment and political defeat, challenging the male-dominated culture of Tamil Nadu politics to become chief minister three times.
180 pages, Unknown Binding
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About the author
Vaasanthi
123 books28 followersVaasanthi (born as Pankajam on 26 July 1941) is an Indian journalist and writer.
She got her degree in English literature and history at Mysore University and a Master's degree at Oslo University in Norway. She served as the editor of India Today, Tamil edition for nine years. Many of her essays on art, culture, and politics have been seriously focused on the emergence of a number of articles and created debates.
Vaasanthi has written a number of lectures and reports on women's issues and she is also a political analyst. Penguin Books published a book in English (Cut-outs, Caste and Cines Stars) with their standings in the political history of Tamil Nadu during the time she worked as the editor of India Today.
She also wrote the biography of J. Jayalalithaa and M. Karunanidhi. She has written around 40 novels and six short story collections.
She got her degree in English literature and history at Mysore University and a Master's degree at Oslo University in Norway. She served as the editor of India Today, Tamil edition for nine years. Many of her essays on art, culture, and politics have been seriously focused on the emergence of a number of articles and created debates.
Vaasanthi has written a number of lectures and reports on women's issues and she is also a political analyst. Penguin Books published a book in English (Cut-outs, Caste and Cines Stars) with their standings in the political history of Tamil Nadu during the time she worked as the editor of India Today.
She also wrote the biography of J. Jayalalithaa and M. Karunanidhi. She has written around 40 novels and six short story collections.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
September 27, 2016
Super-fast run through the southern superwoman's eventful life. Earlier this year, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's party - the AIADMK, retained their hold over power in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly elections. For the first time in decades, she stopped the see-saw of power in alternate elections between M Karunanithi's DMK and her own party. This was a political coup de grace, and everyone in Tamil Nadu understood this.
For the first time ever, some of the younger generation started to look at politics, long-ignored as something not for the modern educated Tamil, and tried to understand what this meant. How, in a heavily patriarchal society and nation, was a woman able to fight a battle so drawn-out and so ugly, and still prevail? And even more importantly, why was she doing it?
It is in this atmosphere of interest in trying to understand Chief Minister Jayalalithaa that veteran writer Vaasanthi's short biography arrives, and it does a good job of running an interested reader through the story of a fascinating life and mind. It isn't a deep analysis by any stretch of imagination, but it was never written to be that. It takes us through a superficial history of Dravidian politics, and manages to never let down the pace. There is a bit of unexplained hyperbole here and there, but this is a veteran who has been following the iron lady's life and career for years, and I suppose she is allowed that.
A deeper, and a much more nuanced, layered biography is surely waiting to be written. But until then, this book can certainly serve as a great appetiser.
For the first time ever, some of the younger generation started to look at politics, long-ignored as something not for the modern educated Tamil, and tried to understand what this meant. How, in a heavily patriarchal society and nation, was a woman able to fight a battle so drawn-out and so ugly, and still prevail? And even more importantly, why was she doing it?
It is in this atmosphere of interest in trying to understand Chief Minister Jayalalithaa that veteran writer Vaasanthi's short biography arrives, and it does a good job of running an interested reader through the story of a fascinating life and mind. It isn't a deep analysis by any stretch of imagination, but it was never written to be that. It takes us through a superficial history of Dravidian politics, and manages to never let down the pace. There is a bit of unexplained hyperbole here and there, but this is a veteran who has been following the iron lady's life and career for years, and I suppose she is allowed that.
A deeper, and a much more nuanced, layered biography is surely waiting to be written. But until then, this book can certainly serve as a great appetiser.
September 4, 2017
This book delivers what we already know, author has avoided controversial parts with utmost care.
Selvi Jayalalithaa is one of the most fabulous, enigmatic and charismatic politicians of India. Even the people who spoke ill of her during her reign, praised her when she was dead. JJ lived a queen and died a queen.
Selvi Jayalalithaa is one of the most fabulous, enigmatic and charismatic politicians of India. Even the people who spoke ill of her during her reign, praised her when she was dead. JJ lived a queen and died a queen.
October 21, 2016
Swift read. Completed in one sitting. Jayalalitha is someone who has always fascinated me and it wouldn't be wrong to say that I am a BIG fan of Amma. Vaasanthi captures the major events in her life and traces it right from her childhood. The extraordinary story of a commoner becoming one of the biggest superstars and then becoming the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu is told very well. The book however, doesn't delve much into the person that Amma is and merely recounts the major events which we might even find on the internet. As someone who who absolutely admires her, I would have liked to know more about the person behind the halo of Amma but knowing that Jayalalitha is secretive about her life, may be it is unfair to expect that from her.
Nevertheless, a good read!
Nevertheless, a good read!
February 28, 2025
An important read for an Indian woman to gain insights into the challenging aspects of women leadership in the country. The book is a quick read, and well engaging for the reader. Many aspects could be explored further in detail, nevertheless, the book provides essential ideas related to women's role in society, her emancipation, issues, her political leadership, career nuances etc. The story very well opens up the curious mind to understand and look deeper into the contexts provided in the journey of 'Amma'.
October 16, 2020
Usually when I read shorter books, I go through them much faster. Why read something over two days when you can read it overnight and mess up your sleep schedule? Which is why I am very surprised that it took me 10 days to read this book - especially since A. It is a very fast book and B. A topic that I am incredibly interested in.
Despite being a Tamilian and also a Political Science Graduate, I barely understand the Tamil Nadu political scene. It is therefore that I picked up this book - to understand the life of the leading lady of Tamil Nadu politics.
Vaasanthi - an experienced journalist runs us through the life of Jayalalithaa. Pushed into the limelight at a very young age she highlights how Jayalalithaa climbed up the political ladder fighting sexism and making friends, foes and frenemies. While not going into details (because ofcourse, this book is about Jayalalithaa and not the Tamil Nadu political scene as a whole) she also highlights the deitification of politics and the system of freebies that Tamil Nadu runs on.
The book ends when Jayalalithaa is 68, looking at what is the road forward for herself but as well as the party and the politics she based her life's work on. Important to note is that Jayalalithaa died in December 2016 at the age of 68, about 10 months after her birthday. One only wishes that the book was able to document her time at Apollo hospital where she was admitted in September 2016 remaining there in a level of secrecy almost suspicious, until she died. Perhaps the book was printed and bound before those events unfolded denying the reader the opportunity to see the complete life and times of one of India's few female politicians.
Despite being a Tamilian and also a Political Science Graduate, I barely understand the Tamil Nadu political scene. It is therefore that I picked up this book - to understand the life of the leading lady of Tamil Nadu politics.
Vaasanthi - an experienced journalist runs us through the life of Jayalalithaa. Pushed into the limelight at a very young age she highlights how Jayalalithaa climbed up the political ladder fighting sexism and making friends, foes and frenemies. While not going into details (because ofcourse, this book is about Jayalalithaa and not the Tamil Nadu political scene as a whole) she also highlights the deitification of politics and the system of freebies that Tamil Nadu runs on.
The book ends when Jayalalithaa is 68, looking at what is the road forward for herself but as well as the party and the politics she based her life's work on. Important to note is that Jayalalithaa died in December 2016 at the age of 68, about 10 months after her birthday. One only wishes that the book was able to document her time at Apollo hospital where she was admitted in September 2016 remaining there in a level of secrecy almost suspicious, until she died. Perhaps the book was printed and bound before those events unfolded denying the reader the opportunity to see the complete life and times of one of India's few female politicians.
October 16, 2017
This book has nothing new and exciting for someone who's lived in Tamil nadu,read newspapers and followed television news..
However,this book gives a glimpse of political scenario of the 80s when I was too small a baby to understand.
With a simple and crisp language,this book is not a bad one to skip.
More detailed review will be put up on my blog:
https://kindleandkompass.wordpress.com
However,this book gives a glimpse of political scenario of the 80s when I was too small a baby to understand.
With a simple and crisp language,this book is not a bad one to skip.
More detailed review will be put up on my blog:
https://kindleandkompass.wordpress.com
April 5, 2024
Truly inspiring Iron lady.Easy read.
July 14, 2018
Insightful read. Read it if you are interested in politics in TN
February 14, 2018
The first elected woman chief minister of Tamil nadu : Jayalalithaa
---------------------------------------------------------------
1) This book is a short and concise biography of a woman who dominated the politics of tamil nadu for decades.
2) Jayalalithaa belongs to the Srirangam Iyengar brahmin community, when she was only two years old she lost her father.
3) After losing her husband Jayalalithaa's mother Veda ( later renamed Sandhya) started working as a actress in South Indian movies so that she can financially support her two children.
4) In the initial days Jaya's mother didn't want her daughter to join movies like her but circumstances forced her to persuade her daughter to do movies. Though Jayalalithaa resisted initially but in the end the will of her mother prevailed.
5) The first movie which Jayalalithaa did was with MGR ( her political guru and lover) and later MGR told bluntly to movie producers and directors that he wants his ammu ( pet name of Jayalalithaa) in all the movies in which he was a part.
6) Though MGR was almost three decades older than Jayalalithaa but this age barrier never came in between them.
7) When karunanidhi expelled MGR from the DMK and later on 18 October 1972 MGR announced the formation of a new political party by the name of AIADMK, and his realtionship with jaya was also Became somewhat bitter and the reason for this bitterness is a Telugu movie star shobhan babu who started dating Jayalalithaa.
8) But after a decade the two hearts meet again and on 4 June 1982 Jayalalithaa joined the AIADMK party. And started working as a star campaigner for her party. As she was very fluent in both English and hindi and MGR wanted someone who could meditate between him and the center that's why he announced that Jayalalithaa would represent his party in the Rajya sabha.
9) But after the death of MGR the AIADMK was splitted into two factions, one was led by MGR's widow janaki and the other one was led by Jayalalithaa. But after janaki badly losed the elections she realized that the party cadre is with Jayalalithaa and then her faction was merged with that of Jayalalithaa, and the latter Became the sole leader of AIADMK after MGR.
10) And Jayalalithaa proved her competence on 24 July 1991 when she became the first elected woman chief minister of Tamil Nadu.
11) Although this book provide us only a glimpse of the entire life of Jayalalithaa, but still it is a good read. And the language of the book is very easy and anyone can finish this book in a single sitting.
12) I will recommend to Readers if you don't know anything about Jayalalithaa and tamil Nadu Politics than you should read this book. Good book for starters.
My ratings : ⭐⭐⭐ ( 3/5)
I hope you like the review, thanks for reading, Jai Hind.
---------------------------------------------------------------
1) This book is a short and concise biography of a woman who dominated the politics of tamil nadu for decades.
2) Jayalalithaa belongs to the Srirangam Iyengar brahmin community, when she was only two years old she lost her father.
3) After losing her husband Jayalalithaa's mother Veda ( later renamed Sandhya) started working as a actress in South Indian movies so that she can financially support her two children.
4) In the initial days Jaya's mother didn't want her daughter to join movies like her but circumstances forced her to persuade her daughter to do movies. Though Jayalalithaa resisted initially but in the end the will of her mother prevailed.
5) The first movie which Jayalalithaa did was with MGR ( her political guru and lover) and later MGR told bluntly to movie producers and directors that he wants his ammu ( pet name of Jayalalithaa) in all the movies in which he was a part.
6) Though MGR was almost three decades older than Jayalalithaa but this age barrier never came in between them.
7) When karunanidhi expelled MGR from the DMK and later on 18 October 1972 MGR announced the formation of a new political party by the name of AIADMK, and his realtionship with jaya was also Became somewhat bitter and the reason for this bitterness is a Telugu movie star shobhan babu who started dating Jayalalithaa.
8) But after a decade the two hearts meet again and on 4 June 1982 Jayalalithaa joined the AIADMK party. And started working as a star campaigner for her party. As she was very fluent in both English and hindi and MGR wanted someone who could meditate between him and the center that's why he announced that Jayalalithaa would represent his party in the Rajya sabha.
9) But after the death of MGR the AIADMK was splitted into two factions, one was led by MGR's widow janaki and the other one was led by Jayalalithaa. But after janaki badly losed the elections she realized that the party cadre is with Jayalalithaa and then her faction was merged with that of Jayalalithaa, and the latter Became the sole leader of AIADMK after MGR.
10) And Jayalalithaa proved her competence on 24 July 1991 when she became the first elected woman chief minister of Tamil Nadu.
11) Although this book provide us only a glimpse of the entire life of Jayalalithaa, but still it is a good read. And the language of the book is very easy and anyone can finish this book in a single sitting.
12) I will recommend to Readers if you don't know anything about Jayalalithaa and tamil Nadu Politics than you should read this book. Good book for starters.
My ratings : ⭐⭐⭐ ( 3/5)
I hope you like the review, thanks for reading, Jai Hind.
January 4, 2017
I devoured this book in two hours. Not a hair on my body so much as shook.
R.I.P Jayalalithaa.
Even before news of her demise were 'officially' announced, almost all channels on the tele were broadcasting her life story and some to increase TRP did not hesitate to weave absorbing tales about the mighty woman. I didn't care about the veracity of the claims, my eyes were glued throughout and her interview with Simi Garewal dictated my immediate actions. I ordered this book that very night and pounced on it the second it arrived. It was a really interesting read and totally had me hooked right from the beginning. It takes us through her childhood days- actually whizzes past- and gives us an eyeful of the Tamil Nadu politics. The author gives us an unbiased opinion- which could be the reason Jayalaithaa banned it. Yes this is contraband if you live in Tamil Nadu. It reveals the pink human flesh beneath all the titanium exterior and this fact makes Jaya a lot easier to sympathize with.
Even though most of the points post her twenties were covered in detail from a political and personal- to some extent- viewpoint, the sweet, innocent Jayalalithaa in her teens and childhood isn't explained very well. Simi Grewal's interview throws more light on this than this book which is supposed to be a biography. I was hoping to read mainly that as the rest of the points were thoroughly covered with multiple replays by the news channels. It was a big disappointment. I wanted to know who her father was, what kind of a personality he had. I wanted to know more of Jaya's soulful recollection of her mother and why she still missed her given the little time her mother spent with her. What exactly was Sandhya's- Jaya's mother- profession? How did she manage her family expenses? How did Jaya feel when her mother pulled her into showbiz?
Even though these key points- key as childhood experiences paints a clearer picture of a person- were omitted, the fast paced writing and the honest opinions on Jaya made it a riveting read. But I have to knock off a star as I really wanted more information on Jayalaithaa's childhood.
R.I.P Jayalalithaa.
Even before news of her demise were 'officially' announced, almost all channels on the tele were broadcasting her life story and some to increase TRP did not hesitate to weave absorbing tales about the mighty woman. I didn't care about the veracity of the claims, my eyes were glued throughout and her interview with Simi Garewal dictated my immediate actions. I ordered this book that very night and pounced on it the second it arrived. It was a really interesting read and totally had me hooked right from the beginning. It takes us through her childhood days- actually whizzes past- and gives us an eyeful of the Tamil Nadu politics. The author gives us an unbiased opinion- which could be the reason Jayalaithaa banned it. Yes this is contraband if you live in Tamil Nadu. It reveals the pink human flesh beneath all the titanium exterior and this fact makes Jaya a lot easier to sympathize with.
Even though most of the points post her twenties were covered in detail from a political and personal- to some extent- viewpoint, the sweet, innocent Jayalalithaa in her teens and childhood isn't explained very well. Simi Grewal's interview throws more light on this than this book which is supposed to be a biography. I was hoping to read mainly that as the rest of the points were thoroughly covered with multiple replays by the news channels. It was a big disappointment. I wanted to know who her father was, what kind of a personality he had. I wanted to know more of Jaya's soulful recollection of her mother and why she still missed her given the little time her mother spent with her. What exactly was Sandhya's- Jaya's mother- profession? How did she manage her family expenses? How did Jaya feel when her mother pulled her into showbiz?
Even though these key points- key as childhood experiences paints a clearer picture of a person- were omitted, the fast paced writing and the honest opinions on Jaya made it a riveting read. But I have to knock off a star as I really wanted more information on Jayalaithaa's childhood.
December 9, 2016
This is the only book that I have completed in one sitting, one reason being the fluent articulation and the other being the intriguing life of the Iron Lady. Starting from her initial reluctant days in cinema, fondness for MGR, desperation for the CM's chair, the corruption that ensued and how she threw everything to the wind to comeback even stronger, makes this a swift read. This book proves why, even after being such a shrewd politician, Karunanidhi could never share the emotional connect with the people that Jayalalitha enjoyed.
March 23, 2017
A must read for anyone who is interested in Tamil Nadu politics. The book is so engrossing; its difficult to put it aside when you start. No Bollywood thriller can match the histrionics of TN politics and no biopic can be compared to the turbulent political upheavals and personal vicissitudes in Jayalalithaa's life.
January 8, 2017
An unbiased narration of the iconic leader’s life covering both her milestones and setbacks. The book describes, in detail, how she climbed up the ladder in politics beating the many corruption cases and nepotism. A must-read for those who want to know about the leader of the masses.
August 21, 2017
A quick read about the Person.
Fairly bold in criticism where deserved, published even when the Person was alive. The author deserves credit for that.
It reminds well that how people without purpose, but only power as end in itself, wastes opportunities.
Fairly bold in criticism where deserved, published even when the Person was alive. The author deserves credit for that.
It reminds well that how people without purpose, but only power as end in itself, wastes opportunities.
August 27, 2020
"No one is consistently successful, no one is a consistent loser" - J Jayalalithaa
The ex chief minister of Tamilnadu is not one to be trifled with; she can make you cry, she can make you bleed, she can make you desist yourself. But she wasn't always like that. There was once a time
when she was a softy. Life can change your destination, influenced by people you meet and tragedies you face.
In a man's world, there came a woman from the upper-caste in a state where caste politics was frowned upon. It wasn't easy. Public humiliations, controversies involving sex, and hate from the opposition were only a small part of what the 'Iron butterfly' had to endure. But there's no argument in saying that the same person has touched millions of lives, that her death, even though controversial, came as a shock to all of us.
Vaasanthi had planned this book for over a decade, even when JJ didn't want anyone to write about her past. I wouldn't say that the book did justice to Jayalalithaa's entire life, but one can never be too careful in writing a book about a powerful political leader (unless you're Shashi Tharoor of course). It's a must-read for every person who wants to know more about the journey of an undaunted and fearless lady who shaped Tamilnadu to what it is today.
The ex chief minister of Tamilnadu is not one to be trifled with; she can make you cry, she can make you bleed, she can make you desist yourself. But she wasn't always like that. There was once a time
when she was a softy. Life can change your destination, influenced by people you meet and tragedies you face.
In a man's world, there came a woman from the upper-caste in a state where caste politics was frowned upon. It wasn't easy. Public humiliations, controversies involving sex, and hate from the opposition were only a small part of what the 'Iron butterfly' had to endure. But there's no argument in saying that the same person has touched millions of lives, that her death, even though controversial, came as a shock to all of us.
Vaasanthi had planned this book for over a decade, even when JJ didn't want anyone to write about her past. I wouldn't say that the book did justice to Jayalalithaa's entire life, but one can never be too careful in writing a book about a powerful political leader (unless you're Shashi Tharoor of course). It's a must-read for every person who wants to know more about the journey of an undaunted and fearless lady who shaped Tamilnadu to what it is today.
January 7, 2020
The book Amma written by Vasanthi gives a lucid account of the life and times of the former four time Chief Minister of the state of Tamil Nadu, Jayalalithaa. Vasanthi had a major task at hand i.e. to chronicle the life of Jayalalitha who was the first and till date only woman Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, a woman who made a mark in a male dominated political society.
Jayalalitha'a life has been a true roller coaster ride but everytime the going became tough and people thought that she was gone for good, she proved her detractors wrong and come up from the ashes like a phoenix. In her own words, she has said that she is not a person to be taken lightly. And those who did had to pay the price for the same.
Most biographies tend to become hagiographical, this one doesn't. The author doesn't lose sight of objectivity while narrating the facts pertaining to Jayalalitha's life. It's a crisp and well tailored biography without being too dramatic.
Jayalalitha'a life has been a true roller coaster ride but everytime the going became tough and people thought that she was gone for good, she proved her detractors wrong and come up from the ashes like a phoenix. In her own words, she has said that she is not a person to be taken lightly. And those who did had to pay the price for the same.
Most biographies tend to become hagiographical, this one doesn't. The author doesn't lose sight of objectivity while narrating the facts pertaining to Jayalalitha's life. It's a crisp and well tailored biography without being too dramatic.
November 30, 2017
This book is an introduction to the enigmatic Jayalalitha's life. To put it accurately, it is a book of timelines of her life's major events and will be most useful to those who don't know much about her.
A lot of adjectives are used to describe her personality but no true attempt is made to justify them. Her relationship with MGR and Sasikala is touched upon but nothing much can be derived beyond what has already been covered by the media.
Do not read this book with the expectation of getting any insight into the mind of this charismatic leader. There are no details of her personal habits - nothing to suggest that the author had access to Jayalalitha's inner circle. Also, although the author believes she has been unbiased, that she is sympathetic towards Jayalalitha does not go unnoticed in her writing.
Read it as a beginners guide to Tamil Nadu's amma.
A lot of adjectives are used to describe her personality but no true attempt is made to justify them. Her relationship with MGR and Sasikala is touched upon but nothing much can be derived beyond what has already been covered by the media.
Do not read this book with the expectation of getting any insight into the mind of this charismatic leader. There are no details of her personal habits - nothing to suggest that the author had access to Jayalalitha's inner circle. Also, although the author believes she has been unbiased, that she is sympathetic towards Jayalalitha does not go unnoticed in her writing.
Read it as a beginners guide to Tamil Nadu's amma.
December 6, 2017
http://www.meotherwise.com/book-revie...
Vaasanthi’s book on Amma and her journey from a movie star to a political queen was the trending book on Juggernaut, around the time of her first death anniversary on 5th December 2017. When the book first came out in 2011, it was banned by a court order. However with the twist of fate in the last couple of years, it is now easily available on Juggernaut as well as on Amazon (paperback). The book traces the journey of Jayalalithaa, from a little girl filled with innocence to the political storm that she became. Get a glimpse into her childhood, early film career, the tumultuous relationship with MGR, and her rising to power, against all odds.
Vaasanthi’s book on Amma and her journey from a movie star to a political queen was the trending book on Juggernaut, around the time of her first death anniversary on 5th December 2017. When the book first came out in 2011, it was banned by a court order. However with the twist of fate in the last couple of years, it is now easily available on Juggernaut as well as on Amazon (paperback). The book traces the journey of Jayalalithaa, from a little girl filled with innocence to the political storm that she became. Get a glimpse into her childhood, early film career, the tumultuous relationship with MGR, and her rising to power, against all odds.
January 10, 2020
This book portrays Jayalalitha as a deity and somehow over exaggerates her. But this book has given an account of her hardships and struggles that can be so exhausting for any other woman. She bore everything from the film fraternity fascism to political upheavals and controversies.
Few quotes of her make her a fighter and in a real sense motivates the women who are fighting a battle almost on a daily basis. Her life can be seen as a roller coaster ride with many ups and downs but the downs just couldn't keep her down for long. She was indeed a strong woman.
A good one time read.
Few quotes of her make her a fighter and in a real sense motivates the women who are fighting a battle almost on a daily basis. Her life can be seen as a roller coaster ride with many ups and downs but the downs just couldn't keep her down for long. She was indeed a strong woman.
A good one time read.
September 24, 2019
A consistently engaging book but really amateurishly written. A very quick read but offers almost nil insight into Jayalalithaa’s fan base and craze. Also the book was written 6 months before her death so it feels really incomplete, but I guess that’s just me nitpicking now. After all, it’s unputdownable as well.
January 28, 2020
One word to describe the journey of Amma Jayalalitha would be ‘incredible’. She is a lady who redefined the role of women in Indian politics. Despite being a woman in a male dominated society especially in politics of Tamil Nadu she emerged victorious by overcoming all the obstacles and hurdles like a roaring lioness.
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April 2, 2020
A quick one sitting read...through the life of Puratchi Thalaivi J.Jayalalithaa.
The book is short and has brief chapters about the political life of J.Jayalalithaa. The book does not have much details into her personal life or controversial political life. Its more of a summary of what the newspapers had already covered.
The book is short and has brief chapters about the political life of J.Jayalalithaa. The book does not have much details into her personal life or controversial political life. Its more of a summary of what the newspapers had already covered.
February 9, 2017
This book is more of an overview of Jayalalithaa's life and career and nothing in depth. In some places there was no continuity from previous topic. Author has definitely tried to put forth the ideas and is a good effort to bring out details to the extent that the author knows.
May 24, 2017
No footnotes or citations. That irritated me to no end. Seemed like a long article more suited for the Caravan. Wait, no, they usually have citations. As a summary of her life that one would see as an outsider, this would probably do - but then so would Wikipedia.
August 10, 2017
Fast phase. It's more of her political career book not much into her personal life. Could have been more interesting if author would have cover her personal incidents after she entered to political phase.
February 4, 2018
A very interesting book, it brings to life the person behind the politician. My only criticism is that it seems too short and concentrates more on Jayalalithaa's life before she became a major politician. However it is definitely a very interesting and informative book.
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August 3, 2020Whistle-stop tour into the life of Jayalalitha - a studious girl in school, a top ranking actress in her day, a fighter in the ugly world of politics, an iron lady as a CM and one whom the people of Tamilnadu who had a love-hate relationship with. Not to many controversial topics here though.
June 13, 2021
Such a lacklustre portrayal of someone who deserves a better biography. There is absolutely nothing new in the book and there was perhaps no research done. Seemed like a crossbreed of a news column with a gossip column.
January 25, 2017
A fast paced read about the life of the CM. Liked the pace of the writing . Recommended for anyone who wants to know about the former CMs rise in politis.
March 17, 2017
Interesting book on one of india's few women chief ministers, could be more detailed
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews