Humans of Chennai: Amma Edition
A photo essay capturing emotions of people who have supported Jayalalithaa for decades.
‘Why didn't you let me take a photo of you having tea?’
It felt... wrong.
We are all from Avadi. I joined the party four months ago, others joined six years ago. We have actually been with the AIADMK from before we were born. Our parents were with MGR and with Amma, so we are also with Amma.
Will you have some tea with us?
Can we take a selfie?
Which channel are you from?
- Avadi Boys
Look, there's no one like Amma. There's no other human being who is as perfect as Amma. Even today, if you get married, you will get a whole suitcase of things that you need to set up your life.
You can actually survive on just Rs 15 a day. Who will give you idlis for Re 1? Breakfast for Rs 5, lunch for Rs 5 and dinner for Rs 5. That's all.
What more do you want?
- Ayyanar and Gopi
'What is your name?'
Elizeth (This is the right spelling. This is how she says it).
(Someone else in the background: She is a party worker from Padi. She has been sitting here for four days now.)
If you can't even cry for Amma, what sort of a human being are you? If she dies, what will happen to us. I will sit here until I hear good news that she is completely alright. Otherwise, I will burn myself with petrol. How can I bear the pain? Kill me. Just kill me now.
- Elizeth
I fell in love with MGR when I saw Ayiraththil Oruvan. First a fan, then a follower. He did so much for the people. He had his anger. But he also did a lot for the people. I asked him for some money for my marriage. He didn't say anything. He just said, 'huh'. But on the day of the marriage, someone brought a suitcase of Rs 10,000 and gave it to me. I asked him who sent this, and he said, 'Thalaivar' (leader).
I follow Amma, because she too is doing the same.
'What is your name?'
- Karunanidhi
'Can I take a photograph?'
Wait, let me adjust my saree. It'll look bad otherwise, no? Okay, now click.
I'm from Coimbatore, and this is my mother, from Thiruvanmiyur. I was just passing by in the afternoon when someone gave me the news. I just sat here and decided to wait. What else can I do? Come let me bless you. May you be healthy and well.
You look nice.
- Jaya
Come, have tea with me. I saw you standing there for such a long time.
I've been with Amma for more than 30 years. She's a real woman. Who else can be like her? You must have heard the news... about what happened when MGR passed away.
Now, I'm not saying Amma will die. I hope she becomes healthy.
But, if she dies, it won't be just a few people who die for her. There'll be a river of blood. Mark my words, hundreds will give their lives for her. Just watch.
- Selvi
I came from Madurai. I've been posted here for three days. It's not difficult to control the crowd. It's tricky. You have to be careful and aware all the time. I have a daughter and son. No, I can't contact them at all. They are safe, they are with my parents, in Madurai.
No, I don't know how Amma is. Please move behind the barricade.
- Sundarapandi
‘Where are you from?’
From here only.
‘Did you make this?’
Yes.
‘Why?’
Amma is God.
‘What do you do? I mean, where do you work?’
Take the photo.
Okay.
- Muthu
We came to see if Amma will die or not. Is that an iPhone? Dei! Look, it's an iPhone. Take a photo Anna.
I'm studying 10th. And he's studying 9th. We came alone. All our friends will come tomorrow, if nothing happens today. How much is that iPhone?
- Raja and Raja
Also Read: Jayalalithaa: The Amma of the Welfare Wagon
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)