Former Tamil Nadu chief minister and AIADMK chief Jayaram Jayalalithaa turns 63 on Thursday.

One of India"s most colourful and controversial politicians, Jayalalithaa"s career has been marked by a series of highs and lows.

This year, Jayalalithaa has asked her cadres to refrain from big celebrations and to work for her party"s victory in the upcoming assembly polls in Tamil Nadu instead. She has, however, allowed her cadres to organise welfare activities.

Through this photo feature, we take a look at her life and times as an actor, a politician.