Many people and the media feel that Jayalalitha believes in numerology and astrology; they point to her name change from “Jayalalitha” to “Jayalalithaa” as being directly borne out of such a belief. Press reports too have mentioned her faith in astrology and numerology, stating that she consults astrologers before taking important political decisions. In a BBC Hard Talk interview to Karan Thapar, she indirectly admitted to her beliefs, adding that she wasn’t embarrassed by it and that many other leaders in India choose auspicious hours.