Tamil superstar Rajinikanth has paid tribute to late Chief Minister Jayalalithaa, describing her as a 'kohinoor diamond', who had made her way up through difficulties in a male-dominated society.

At a condolence meeting, organised by the South Indian Artistes' Association or the Nadigar Sangam for Jayalalithaa and actor-journalist Cho. S Ramaswami, Rajinikanth also recalled his strong statements against her during the 1996 Assembly polls, which had hurt her.

Also read | Happy Birthday Rajinikanth: Modi, Big B, SRK wish Thalaivar a long life

"I had hurt her. I was a key reason for her (party's) defeat, he said, referring to his criticism of the then AIADMK government.

DMK WON 1996 POLLS AFTER RAJINIKANTH'S JIBE

The actor had then famously remarked that even God can't save Tamil Nadu if Jayalalithaa's AIADMK was re-elected to power. The former DMK-TMC (Tamil Maanila Congress) combine had swept the polls amid strong anti-incumbency.

Jayalalithaa, however, later proved to be a golden-hearted leader, Rajinikanth said.

Also read | RIP Amma: Rajinikanth to Mohanlal, celebs mourn Jayalalithaa's death

Paying rich tributes to the former chief minister, he said, "It was with great difficulty that she could take over the reins of the AIADMK, following the death of its founder and her political mentor MG Ramachandran and that she had even overtaken him in his achievements.