Will miss his efficiency, sincerity: Chandralekha

Referring to him as a good friend, she said, “I knew him from 1980, when I was the Collector. He was my Public Relations Officer and he was very sincere with whatever work that was given to him. After that, he was shifted, but we continued as friends and our friendship remained till the end.” 

Recollecting his role in former chief minister J Jayalalithaa’s political career, she said, “One thing that many people do not know is that after MGR’s demise, Jayalalithaa was not very keen to come into politics, or rather, she was unsure of how to go about it – as the entire party, including top leaders, were against her. 

However, Natarajan and Sasikala stood by her and ensured that she was able to overcome all the obstacles. Later, she did become a big force. However, if it wasn’t for them being with her at that crucial moment, she would have only been remembered as a film star, who acted with many famous heroes of that time.” 

Stating that she will miss his efficiency and sincerity, Chandralekha said, “He had a very independent streak. Over time, though Jayalalithaa ignored him and told party people not to have anything to do with him, he remained loyal till the end. Whenever there was trouble for her, it was he who took all the action from behind the scenes. He did not even care whether she acknowledged that or not, but he did it.”