Who Is Jayalalithaa Jayaraman? Tamil Nadu Leader Remains In ‘Critical’ Condition

UPDATED: 2:18 p.m. EST: —Jayalalithaa Jayaraman, the leader of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, died Monday after suffering complicatons following a cardiac arrest. Jayalalithaa was receiving treatment at the Apollo Hospital in Chennai, India, and was in critical condition following her cardiac arrest Sunday. A statement announcing the chief minister's death was issued from the hospital Monday afternoon, according to India Today.

Original story:

Known among her supporters and followers as “Amma” (or mother), Jayalalithaa Jayaraman, the leader of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, was in critical condition Monday after going into cardiac arrest. Jayalalithaa, 68, a beloved leader who became involved in politics after running a successful career as an actress, was admitted to the Apollo Hospital in Chennai, India, after she went into cardiac arrest Sunday evening, Reuters reported Monday.

The Indian chief minister was first hospitalized in September with a respiratory illness, fever and dehydration, the Guardian reported. Updates on her health had remained quiet since September. Following a sharp decline in her health, a spokesperson said Monday that Jayalalithaa had undergone surgery yet remained in “grave” condition. She was on life support.

Prior to her role in politics as a chief minister, she enjoyed a successful career as a film actress for almost two decades. As a teen, she made her debut as an actress in the 1964 film “Chinnada Gombe,” according to India Today. Jayalalithaa was persuaded to enter the political circuit by a fellow screen partner and has remained in politics for decades.

The chief minister of Tamil Nadu has served in her position five times, but Jayalalithaa has also led a controversial political career. She was sentenced to four years in prison after she was found guilty of corruption in 2014, for “amassing wealth that was unaccounted for,” BBC News reported at the time. Public rioting ensued following her arrest and Jayalalithaa’s conviction was overturned and she returned to office in 2015.

The news of her poor health drew thousands of supporters and well-wishers. Hundreds of policemen were stationed near the hospital to keep visitors and supporters in order. Many fear a critical turn in her health could spur civil unrest.