Chennai:
Once a bejeweled screen goddess, J Jayalalithaa had not worn jewelry for the last 14 years. But after she stormed back to power in Tamil Nadu last month, the AIADMK leader and Chief Minister has been seen sporting a pair of diamond earrings.
So what is the tale behind the bling?
Jayalalithaa explained: "I had not worn jewelry after 1997 and my party people didn't like it. They have been telling me that Karunanidhi and his family members, who mocked me, are facing corruption charges and why should I be like this? When the AIADMK won with a huge majority many gathered at my house and asked me to change my mind. They even threatened to immolate themselves if I did not start wearing jewelry. I did not want any tragic thing to happen during celebrations and that's why I started wearing the earrings."