Saranya Ponvannan

Last updated

Saranya Ponvannan
Saranya Ponvannan at Saivam Audio Launch.jpg
Born
Sheela Christina

Alappuzha, Kerala, India
OccupationActress
Years active1987–1996 (as a leading actress)
2000 (television)
2003–present (as a character artist)
Spouse Ponvannan (m. 1995)
Children2
Parent A. B. Raj (Father)

Saranya Ponvannan (born Sheela Christina [1] ) is an Indian actress who predominantly appears in Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam and a few Kannada language films. She also acted in 1 Hindi movie Chup: Revenge of the Artist in 2022. Saranya made her acting debut in a lead role in Mani Ratnam's Nayakan (1987) and went on to play lead roles from 1987 to 1996. Following an eight-year sabbatical, she returned to films in 2003 as a character actor roles. In her career spanning around over 25 years she had won a number of accolades including 1 National Film Award, 2 Tamil Nadu State Film Awards and a record of 5 Filmfare Award South among other film awards.

Contents

Career

Saranya made her Tamil debut in Mani Ratnam's production Nayakan, as the female lead opposite Kamal Haasan in 1987. [2] [3] She made her first Telugu appearance in 1989 film Neerajanam; her Malayalam debut was in the same year with the film Artham starring opposite Mammootty. [4]

In 1996, she made her Kannada debut with Appaji . After 1996, she quit from acting. In 2000 she appeared playing the lead role in the comedy television series, Veettukku Veedu Lootty, and subsequently accepted some supporting roles in other projects. [2] During 2006 she appeared in family-drama serial Mugangal, which aired on Sun TV.

After a break from films she made a comeback in 2003 Tamil film Alai opposite Raghuvaran as Silambarasan 's mother. Since then she has been noted for her "mother" roles in films most notably Raam , Thavamai Thavamirundhu and Em Magan in the mid-2000s. [3]

Her performance as Veerayi, a widowed mother torn between love and possessiveness, in the 2010 film Thenmerku Paruvakaatru – her 100th release – earned her the National Film Award for Best Actress. [5] Her major breakthrough was 2005 Tamil film Thavamai Thavamirundhu after which she established herself as a prominent and leading actress in South India. As of 2017, she was one of the highest paid character actresses in the south Indian film industry. [5]

In 2014, she launched Design & School of Fashion Technology (DSOFT), a fashion institute at Virugamakkam, Chennai. [6] [7]

She has also played the role of villain in Achamindri (2016). [8] [9]

In 2017, she had only three releases. She starred in the sequel of 2014 Tamil film Velaiyilla Pattathari, reprising the role of Bhuvana, in a cameo appearance. The character had died in the original film, but the filmmakers wanted her to appear in the sequel, because of her part in the former's success. Her second venture was with Vishnu Vishal in the film Katha Nayagan, playing the mother of Vishnu Vishal. [10] Later she starred in Magalir Mattum , a women-centric film, in which she played alongside Jyothika, Oorvasi and Bhanupriya. [11]

In 2018, she was first seen in comedy-family drama Mannar Vagaiyara as Vemal's mother; her comedy timing was well received, however Itly was released and opened to negative reviews. [12] Later she was seen in Vijay Sethupathi's Junga and Nayanthara's Kolamavu Kokila as the mother of Kokila [4] who although affected by lung cancer, assists her daughter in smuggling cocaine.

She took on the role of Vishalavva, mother to Kiccha Sudeepa's character in Kannada movie The Villain directed by Prem in 2018. Later she was seen in Madhupal's Malayalam thriller drama Oru Kuprasidha Payyan playing Chembammal.

She signed to reprise the role of Lakshmi in Kalavani 2 . Her first Telugu release of the year was Gang Leader where she played the lead role Varalakshmi alongside Nani, Lakshmi, Kartikeya Gummakonda, Priyanka Arul Mohan among others.

After a brief hiatus because of COVID-19 Pandemic, her first release was through OTT in 2021 was Bhoomi alongside Jayam Ravi. Critics cited that the talented actress was restricted to few insignificant scenes. Following Bhoomi, she had two other releases in 2021 - multistarer Telugu film Maha Samudharam and Sasikumar's MGR Magan.

Personal life

She was born in a Christian family at Alappuzha, Kerala and is the daughter of Malayalam film director A. B. Raj [ citation needed ] who directed over 75 films. Saranya married actor-director Ponvannan in 1995 and the couple has two daughters. [13]

Awards

National Film Awards
Tamil Nadu State Film Awards
Filmfare Awards

Winnings:

Nominations:

South Indian International Movie Awards
Ananda Vikatan Awards
Vijay Awards
Norway Tamil Film Festival Awards
Edison Awards
JFW Awards
JFW Movie Awards

Filmography

Film

YearFilmRoleLanguageNotes
1987 Nayakan Neela Tamil Debut film
1988 Manasukkul Mathappu Dr.GeethaTamil
En Jeevan Paduthu NarmadaTamil
Melam Kottu Thaali KattuMuthammaTamil
Sivapputhaali KeerthanaTamil
Dhaayam OnnuPreethaTamil
1989 Andru Peytha Mazhaiyil PreethiTamil
Sakalakala SammandhiUmaTamil
Karunguyil KundramTamil
Neerajanam Jaya Telugu
Artham Manasa Malayalam
1990 Anjali Dr. SheelaTamil
Ulagam Pirandhadhu Enakkaga MeenaTamil
1991 Vanakkam Vathiyare SundariTamil
Naan Pudicha Mappillai LakshmiTamil
Ashwini Telugu
GangaTelugu
Aakasha Kottayile Sultan MallikaMalayalam
Cheppukilukkana Changathi ManikuttyMalayalam
Aanaval Mothiram AnnieMalayalam
Ennum Nanmakal InduMalayalam
1992 Agni Paarvai SeethaTamil
Kottai Vaasal RekhaTamil
Sahasam RekhaTelugu
1993 Dasarathan VasanthiTamil
Magrib AarifaMalayalam
Journalist RanjiniMalayalam
Ente Sreekuttikku NandhiniMalayalam
Injakkadan Mathai & Sons BeenaMalayalam
1994DollarLusieMalayalam
Karuththamma PonnathaTamil
Seevalaperi Pandi VelammalTamil
1995 Pasumpon MalarTamil
1996 Appaji RekhaKannada
Meendum Savithri UmaTamil
Neti SavithriTelugu
BossKannada
Easwaramoorthy IN LathikaMalayalam
Samayakkondu SulluRukminiKannada
2003 Alai NirmalaTamilComeback film after marriage
Chantigadu SavthriyammaTelugu
2004 Varnajalam KarthigaTamil
Arul Arul 's sisterTamil
Adhu Meera's motherTamil
Chatrapathy Saravanan's sisterTamil
Ramakrishna Ramakrishna's motherTamil
Meesai Madhavan DeviTamil
Gomathi Nayagam Tamil
2005 Ayodhya JameelaTamil
Raam SaradhaTamil
Sivakasi KayalvizhiTamil
Thavamai Thavamirundhu Saradha MuthiahTamil Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Tamil
2006 Emtan Magan SelviTamil Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Tamil
Tamil Nadu State Film Best Supporting Actress Award
Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam Thiru's motherTamil
Rakhi Gowri's MotherTelugu
Adaikalam KasthuriTamil
2007 Thirumagan JayakodiTamil
Jagadam Seenu's motherTelugu
Kireedam RajeshwariTamil
Pirappu KaliammanTamil
Vel Saradha (Velu's & Vasu's Mother)Tamil
Puli Varudhu Ramesh's MotherTamil
2008 Pidichirukku StellaTamil
Nenjadhai Killadhe Vasanth's false motherTamil
Singakutty Kathir's motherTamil
VilaiyattuTamil
Kuruvi Devi's sister-in-law /Koccha's WifeTamil
Pandi SivagamiTamil
Ready Pooja's motherTelugu
Thenavattu VazhuvanthalTamil
Dindigul Sarathy SaradhaTamil
Ini Varum Kaalam Aravind's motherTamil
2009 Yavarum Nalam Shanti, Manohar's MotherTamil
Colours Dr. RajalakshmiMalayalam
Vanam Partha SeemayileTamil
2010 Police Quarters Jayamma Kannada
Bayam Ariyaan SaraswathiTamil
Pulliman Yashoda PanickerMalayalam
Kalavani Lakshmi RamasamyTamilAnanda Vikatan Awards for Best Supporting Actress
Tamil Nadu State Film Best Supporting Actress Award
Guru Sishyan MahalakshmiTamil
Magane En Marumagane Ponnarasi's MotherTamil
Thambikku Indha Ooru Mrs.KumaraswamyTamil
Vedam PadmaTelugu
Puli Puli's motherTeluguNominated, Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress - Telugu
Naane Ennul Illai JanakiTamil
Yaksha Yaksha's motherKannada
Thenmerku Paruvakaatru VeerayiTamil National Film Award for Best Actress
Vijay Award for Best Supporting Actress
Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress - Tamil
Norway Tamil Film Festival Award for Best Supporting Actress
Edison Award for Best Supporting Actress
2011 Muthukku Muthaaga PechiTamil
Vaanam LakshmiTamil
Sadhurangam Analaar's wifeTamil
Maharaja SeethaTamil
2012 Oru Kal Oru Kannadi ShenbagamTamil Norway Tamil Film Festival Award for Best Supporting Actress
Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress - Tamil
Nominated, Vijay Award for Best Supporting Actress
Chaarulatha Chaaru & Latha's MotherTamil
Kannada
Thaandavam Sivakumar's MotherTamil
Neerparavai MaryTamil Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress - Tamil
SIIMA for Best Actress in a Supporting Role
2013 Vatthikuchi Sakthi's motherTamil
Kutti Puli DeivanaiTamilNominated, SIIMA for Best Actress in a Supporting Role
All in All Azhagu Raja MeenakshiTamil
SuvadugalTamil
2014 Idhu Kathirvelan Kadhal YasothammalTamil
Naan Sigappu Manithan SumathiTamil
Ennamo Nadakkudhu Vijay's motherTamil Ananda Vikatan Awards for Best Supporting Actress
Manam Seetharamudu's motherTelugu
Pappali Tamil
Velaiyilla Pattathari BhuvanaTamil SIIMA for Best Supporting Actress Tamil
Ananda Vikatan Awards for Best Supporting Actress
Nominated, Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress - Tamil
Nominated, Vijay Award for Best Supporting Actress
Nominated, Norway Tamil Film Festival Award for Best Supporting Actress
Amma AmmammaLakshmiTamil
2016 Bangalore Naatkal Kannan's motherTamil
24 SathyabhamaTamil
Brahmotsavam Babu's AuntTelugu
Remo Siva's & Remo's motherTamil
Kodi Kodi's & Anbu's motherTamilNominated, Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress - Tamil
Achamindri RajalakhsmiTamil
2017 Velaiyilla Pattathari 2 BhuvanaTamil
Katha Nayagan Thambidurai's motherTamil
Magalir Mattum SubbulakshmiTamil
2018 Mannar Vagaiyara KalaiyarasiTamil
Itly InbaTamilLead role
Junga Junga's mother/ Don ammaTamil
Marainthirunthu Paarkum Marmam Enna Japan's motherTamil
Kolamavu Kokila Kokila's motherTamil Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress – Tamil

Nominated - SIIMA for Best Supporting Actress Tamil

The Villain VishalavvaKannada
Oru Kuprasidha Payyan ChembakaamalMalayalam
2019 Kalavani 2 LakshmiTamil
Gang Leader VaralakshmiTelugu
2021 Bhoomi Bhoominathan's motherTamil
Maha Samudhram Arjun's motherTelugu
MGR Magan RasathiTamil
2022 Etharkkum Thunindhavan KosalaiTamil
Viruman MuthulakshmiTamil
Chup: Revenge of the Artist Nila's Mother Hindi Hindi film debut
Varalaru Mukkiyam Karthik's motherTamil
Aruvaa Sanda ValliTamil
2023 Kushi RajalakshmiTelugu
Conjuring Kannapan Lakshmi Tamil
2024Idi MuzhakkamTBATamilFilming
Gangster GrannyTBATamilFilming
Brother TBATamilFilming
Mazhai Pidikkatha ManithanTBATamilPost-production
Kallapart TamilDelayed

As playback singer

YearFilmSongLanguageComposerNote
2014 Ennamo Nadakkudhu "Meesa Kokku"Tamil Premgi Amaren Debut as Singer [16]
2017 Magalir Mattum "Time Passukkosaram"Tamil Ghibran Also lead actor [17]

Television

YearTelevision seriesChannelNote
1991 Penn DD Podhigai Episode 7 (Lead)
1992Ninaivu Kurippugal DD Podhigai Host
2000-2003Veetuku Veedu Looty Jaya TV Meena (Lead role) 183 Episodes
2006-2007Mugangal Sun TV Lead role 177 Episodes
2022 Amudhavum Annalakshmiyum Zee Tamil Herself (for promotion in promo)
Along with Sneha, Sangeetha
Maari
Meenakshi Ponnunga

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Meena (actress)</span> Indian actress (born 1976)

Meena Durairaj, known professionally as Meena, is an Indian actress who predominantly works in the South Indian films as well as Hindi cinema. She is a trained Bharatanatyam dancer. Meena has acted in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Hindi films She is one of the most sought after actresses in the South Indian film industry. In addition to acting, Meena is also a playback singer, TV judge, and occasional dubbing artist. She has received numerous accolades, including two Filmfare Awards South, three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, two Nandi Award for Best Actress and Cinema Express Awards. In 1998, she was honoured with the Kalaimamani Award by Government of Tamil Nadu.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Revathi</span> Indian actress

Asha Kelunni Nair, better known by her stage name Revathi, is an Indian actress and director, known for her works predominantly in Tamil and Malayalam cinema - in addition to Telugu, Hindi and Kannada films. She has won several accolades, including three National Film Awards, and six Filmfare Awards South. She has also won the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress for her performance in Bhoothakaalam (2022).

<i>Thavamai Thavamirundhu</i> 2005 Indian film

Thavamai Thavamirundhu is a 2005 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by Cheran. The film stars Rajkiran, Cheran and Saranya Ponvannan, in lead roles while, Senthil Kumar, Padmapriya and Meenal portraying supporting roles. The music was composed by the duo Sabesh–Murali with cinematography by M. S. Prabhu and editing by B. Lenin. The film released on 2 December 2005.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shoba</span> Indian actress (1962–1980)

Mahalakshmi Menon, best known by her stagename Shobha, was an Indian actress best known for her work in Malayalam and Tamil films. At the age of 17, she won the National Film Award for Best Actress for her role in the 1979 Tamil film Pasi. She also received three Kerala State Film Awards: for Best Actress (1978), Best Supporting Actress (1977) and Best Child Artist (1971); and two Filmfare Awards South for Best Actress in Kannada (1978) and Tamil (1979) films. Considered one of the finest talents to have emerged in the Indian film world, her promising career was unexpectedly cut short as she committed suicide in 1980, due to unknown reasons. Her popularity resulted in considerable public scrutiny of the events that led to her death and also various conspiracy theories. The 1983 Malayalam film Lekhayude Maranam Oru Flashback is supposedly based on her life and death.

Kanaka Vijayalakshmi, known by her stage name Madhavi is an Indian former actress known for her works in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam films. In a career spanning of almost 2 decades she has been featured in around 300 films and was hailed as one of the leading actresses of South Indian Cinema in the 1980s.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Tamil</span>

The Filmfare Best Supporting Actor Award is given by the Filmfare magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards South for Tamil (Kollywood) films.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nagma</span> Indian actress

Nagma Arvind Morarji is an Indian politician and former actress. She was a popular lead actress in the 1990s. She made her cinematic debut in the film Baaghi opposite Salman Khan in 1990. It was Hindi cinema's seventh highest-grossing film of the year. She is known for her roles in films like Gharana Mogudu (1992), King Uncle (1993), Suhaag (1994), Kadhalan (1994), Baashha (1995) and Lal Baadshah (1999). She began her acting career in Bollywood. Nagma has acted in a broad range of films in India's languages predominantly in Telugu, Tamil, Hindi and Bhojpuri Films and has also additionally appeared in several other regional language pictures- such as Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali, Punjabi Marathi and Mandarin/Cantonese films.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Priyamani</span> Indian actress

Priya Vasudevan Mani Iyer, known by her stage name Priyamani, is an Indian actress. She is the recipient of several awards, including a National Film Award and three Filmfare Awards South.

The Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award is given by the Filmfare magazine as part of its annual Filmfare Awards South for Tamil (Kollywood) films.

The Vijay for Best Supporting Actress is given by STAR Vijay as part of its annual Vijay Awards ceremony for Tamil (Kollywood) films.

The Vijay for Best Comedian is given by STAR Vijay as part of its annual Vijay Awards ceremony for Tamil (Kollywood) films.

The Vijay for Best Lyricist is given by STAR Vijay as part of its annual Vijay Awards ceremony for Tamil (Kollywood) films.

The Vijay for Best Story, Screenplay Writer is given by STAR Vijay as part of its annual Vijay Awards ceremony for Tamil (Kollywood) films.

<i>Kalavani</i> 2010 film by A. Sarkunam

Kalavani (transl. Thief) is a 2010 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film written and directed by newcomer A. Sarkunam. It stars Vimal and debutante Oviya, with Saranya Ponvannan, Ganja Karuppu and Ilavarasu in supporting roles. The film was made on a shoe-string budget, and released on 25 June 2010. and became a sleeper hit of 2010. Later the movie was remade in Kannada as Kirataka with Oviya reprising her role.

<i>Thenmerku Paruvakaatru</i> 2010 film by Seenu Ramasamy

Thenmerku Paruvakatru is a 2010 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by Seenu Ramasamy and produced by Shibu Issac. The film is named after a song composed by A. R. Rahman for the film, Karuthamma. It stars Vijay Sethupathi, Vasundhara Kashyap and Saranya Ponvannan in her 100th film, which won her Best Actress at National film Awards. The music was composed by N. R. Raghunanthan with cinematography by Chezhiyan and editing by Mu. Kasivishwanathan.

<i>Oru Kal Oru Kannadi</i> 2012 Indian film

Oru Kal Oru Kannadi abbreviated as OKOK is a 2012 Indian Tamil-language romantic comedy film written and directed by M. Rajesh. It stars producer Udhayanidhi Stalin in his acting debut, Hansika Motwani, and Santhanam, while Saranya Ponvannan and Azhagam Perumal play supporting roles. The film's music was composed by Harris Jayaraj with cinematography by Balasubramaniem and editing by Vivek Harshan. The film was named after the song of the same name from Rajesh's film Siva Manasula Sakthi (2009).

<i>Neerparavai</i> 2012 Indian film

Neerparavai (transl. Seabird) is a 2012 Indian Tamil-language drama film written and directed by Seenu Ramasamy and produced by Udhayanidhi Stalin. It stars Vishnu and Sunaina, and Nandita Das plays the older version of the latter's character. Saranya Ponvannan, Samuthirakani, Varsha Ashwathi, and Anupama Kumar play supporting roles. The music is composed by N. R. Raghunanthan with cinematography by Balasubramaniem and editing by Kasi Viswanathan. The film released on 30 November 2012 to positive reviews from critics and did well at the box-office.

<i>Kolamaavu Kokila</i> 2018 film by Nelson

Kolamaavu Kokila is a 2018 Indian Tamil-language black comedy crime film written and directed by Nelson Dilipkumar in his directorial debut, and produced by Lyca Productions. The film stars Nayanthara alongside a supporting cast including Yogi Babu, Saranya Ponvannan, VJ Jacqueline, R. S. Shivaji, Charles Vinoth, Hareesh Peradi and others. Anirudh Ravichander composed the film's music.

<i>Meenakshi Ponnunga</i> Indian Tamil-language television drama

Meenakshi Ponnunga is a 2022 Indian Tamil language television drama airing on Zee Tamil. The series premiered on 1 August 2022, it stars Sriranjani with Soundarya Reddy and Aryan in the lead roles. It is an official remake of Zee Telugu TV series Radhamma Kuthuru.

References

  1. "Distinguished Alumnae". Women's Christian College. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
  2. 1 2 "Back into form with a bang". The Hindu . Chennai, India. 25 November 2006. Archived from the original on 5 November 2012. Retrieved 30 October 2009.
  3. 1 2 Ashok Kumar, S.R. (15 December 2005). "An actress who plays her roles with aplomb". The Hindu . Chennai, India. Archived from the original on 13 May 2006. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
  4. 1 2 Nair, Vidya (14 October 2018). "Screen-mother to Superstar". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
  5. 1 2 "Best actor – female: Saranya Ponvannan takes it in her stride". The Times of India . 20 May 2011. Archived from the original on 5 November 2012. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
  6. Subhakeerthana, S (14 May 2018). "Saranya Ponvannan: Nobody calls me 'madam' on the sets, I'm always their 'Amma'". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
  7. Anantharam, Chitra Deepa (16 October 2017). "Meet the multi-talented Amma". The Hindu. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 3 December 2018.
  8. Krishnakumar, Ranjani (13 August 2018). "Ms. En Scene: In Praise Of Saranya Ponvannan, The Mother That I Never Had". Silverscreen. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
  9. Subramamian, Anupama (23 December 2016). "Saranya Ponvannan: From adorable mom to angry woman". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
  10. "Kathanayagan review: This Vishnu Vishal film produces intermittent smiles rather than laughs". The Indian Express. 9 September 2017. Retrieved 4 December 2018.
  11. Kumar, Karthik (14 September 2017). "Magalir Mattum movie review: Not without flaws but a film made with a lot of heart". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 4 December 2018.
  12. Subramanian, Anupama (30 June 2018). "Itly movie review: Potential riotous laugh let down by weak writing". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
  13. "I never expected the National Award". Rediff. 21 June 2011. Retrieved 3 December 2018.
  14. "Nominees of Idea Filmfare Awards South". IndiaGlitz. Archived from the original on 4 June 2011. Retrieved 2 June 2011.
  15. Dhananjayan, G (2014). PRIDE OF TAMIL CINEMA: 1931 TO 2013. Chennai: Blue Ocean Publishers. p. 511. ISBN   9789384301057.
  16. Rinku, Gupta (25 October 2013). "Saranya croons for Ennamo Nadakuthu". The New Indian Express . Retrieved 6 March 2017.
  17. quintdaily (11 August 2017). "VIP 2 Review: Velaiilla Pattadhari 2 Theatrical Response & Rating – QuintDaily".