Jayalalithaa's closest aide Sasikala Natarajan performs amma's last rites

Jayalalithaa’s closest aide Sasikala Natarajan performed her akka’s (sister) last rites at MGR Memorial at Marina Beach in Chennai. Lakhs of amma supporters gathered for the funeral of Jayalalithaa, who died Monday night at Apollo Hospital.

As Jayalalithaa’s mortal remains arrived at Marina Beach, women broke down, some beat their chest in despair. Guard of honour and tributes with full state honours were paid to Jayalalithaa. She was then buried in a sandalwood coffin near her mentor MG Ramachandran’s memorial.

The two starred together in several blockbuster films before entering politics.

Earlier on Tuesday day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi and other leaders paid last respects to Jayalalithaa.

Clad in a black saree, a sombre-looking Sasikala Natarajan, who remained a wall of support for Jayalalithaa through thick and thin, remained beside the casket of the departed leader as people filed past it paying their homage.

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Intermittently standing up and touching Jayalalithaa’s face, which was kept in state at Rajaji Hall, Sasikala looked lost even as she acknowledged the condolences of visitors.