Sasikala Natarajan, Jayalalithaa's closest aide, performed her last rites at Chennai's Marina Beach.
Jayalalithaa's longtime companion Sasikala Natarajan, always her shadow, emerged into the bright lights today as she performed the last rituals for the iconic Tamil Nadu politician, watched by lakhs.
The dominating presence of Sasikala, 59, in a black sari and red-rimmed eyes, symbolized, for many, the power that the former video store owner derived from her proximity to Jayalalithaa - and may continue to do so.
Sasikala and her clan stayed firmly by Jayalalithaa's casket, closer to her than even staunch loyalist O Panneerselvan, who kept a photo of his leader on the dais while being sworn in as Chief Minister late last night.
The buzz has started around the chances of Sasikala or her choice taking over as the general secretary of the state's ruling party.
But this part of the succession plan may not be as smooth as Panneerselvam's appointment, for which party leaders projected a united front.
Sasikala has never held a post either in the government or the party - and that is how Jayalalithaa kept it for three decades, even though she relied on her for advice.
The other disadvantage in Sasikala's corner is that she is tangled in corruption cases linked to her unaccounted wealth and land deals. Sources say many AIADMK leaders feel it is not worthwhile to burden the party with any taint.
But it will not be easy to discount "Chinamma" - as Sasikala is known by party cadre.
When Jayalalithaa was in hospital for 75 days, Sasikala controlled access to her and emerged as one of the three power centres in the party - besides Mr Pannerselvam, and former chief secretary Sheela Balakrishnan, who advised her.
Sasikala was introduced to Jayalalithaa in the 1980s and, over the years, became a permanent presence in her life and her home.
Jayalalithaa was accused of misusing state resources for the extravagant wedding of Sasikala's nephew, adopted by the Chief Minister as a foster son, in 1995. The two, dressed in almost identical jewellery and saris, became one of the most memorable snapshots from Jayalalithaa's life.
In December 2011, the besties fell apart and Jayalalithaa briefly expelled Sasikala, her husband and family members from the party, suspecting that they were plotting against her. It didn't last. Four months later, Sasikala publicly distanced herself from her family and was back with her "Akka" (sister).