
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.
Awards & recognition
- Filmfare Awards South
- National Film Award — Best Actress
Filmography34 titles

Nayakan

Thenmerku Paruvakatru

Velaiyilla Pattathari

Em Magan

24

Manam

Vedam

Gang Leader

Achamindri

Thenavattu

Magalir Mattum

Vatthikuchi

Arul

Nilavuku Enmel Ennadi Kobam

13B: Fear Has a New Address

Vel

Conjuring Kannappan

Kodi

Thiruvilaiyaadal Aarambam

Etharkkum Thunindhavan

Kireedam

Velaiyilla Pattathari 2

Remo

Bangalore Naatkal

Viruman

Sivakaasi

Oru Kal Oru Kannadi

Varalaru Mukkiyam

Kushi

Maha Samudram

Brahmotsavam

Katha Nayagan

Bun Butter Jam

Meendum Savithri