Biography
Sheela better known by her stage name Saranya is an Indian film actress who has predominantly appeared in Tamil language films. Saranya made her debut in a lead role in Mani Ratnam's Nayagan and went on to play lead roles in a few films during the late 1980s. Following an eight-year sabbatical, she returned to feature films as a character artiste, essaying supporting roles, particularly playing mother characters to lead artists. For her performances in films including Raam (2005), Thavamai Thavamirundhu (2005), Em Magan (2006) and Kalavani (2010), she has received notable critical praise and several accolades, including three Filmfare Awards for Best Supporting Actress, while her performance in Thenmerku Paruvakaatru fetched her the National Film Award for Best Actress in 2011.Saranya is the daughter of Malayalam film director A. B. Raj. She is married to a fellow actor, Ponvannan.
Filmography
Cast Credits
Bun Butter Jam
Character:
MOVIE • 2025
Nilavuku En Mel Ennadi Kobam
Character: Ponni
MOVIE • 2025
Brother
Character: Hemamalini
MOVIE • 2024
Mazhai Pidikatha Manithan
Character: Burma's Mother
MOVIE • 2024
Conjuring Kannappan
Character: Lakshmi
MOVIE • 2023
Kushi
Character:
MOVIE • 2023
Aruva Sanda
Character:
MOVIE • 2022
Varalaru Mukkiyam
Character:
MOVIE • 2022
Chup
Character: Mrs. Menon
MOVIE • 2022
Viruman
Character: Muthulakshmi
MOVIE • 2022
Etharkkum Thunindhavan
Character: Kosalai
MOVIE • 2022
MGR Magan
Character: Rasaathi
MOVIE • 2021
Maha Samudram
Character: Arjun's mother
MOVIE • 2021
Sashi
Character:
MOVIE • 2021
Bhoomi
Character: Bhoominathan's Mother
MOVIE • 2021
Nani's Gang Leader
Character: Varalakshmi
MOVIE • 2019
Kalavani 2
Character:
MOVIE • 2019
Oru Kuprasidha Payyan
Character: Chembammal
MOVIE • 2018
Marainthirunthu Paarkum Marmam Enna
Character: Aiyappan's Mother
MOVIE • 2018
Kolamavu Kokila
Character: Kokila's Mother
MOVIE • 2018