| Shriya Saran | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | Shriya Saran September 11, 1982 [1] Haridwar, Uttarakhand, India |
| Other name(s) | Shreya, Sreya, Sriya |
| Occupation | Actress, Model |
| Years active | 2001–present |
| Official website | |
Shriya Saran (born September 11, 1982) is an Indian film actress. She began her career acting in music videos, while also attending an acting studio to follow her dream to act. After her debut in 2001 with Ishtam, she gained Telugu cinema's attention in 2002 by playing the role of Bhanu in Santhosham, her first major hit. Following the film, she appeared in several Telugu films with prominent actors, whilst, also making in-roads in Bollywood as well as the Tamil film industry. In 2007, Saran became a national figure after her performance alongside Rajinikanth in Sivaji: The Boss [2][3], after which she has signed several Hindi, Tamil and also a Hollywood film. In 2006, she is said to be the first actress to pair up with father and son-in-law[2], Rajinikanth in the film Sivaji: The Boss (2007) and Dhanush in the film Thiruvilayadal Arambam (2007) respectively.
Saran performs predominantly in leading heroine roles in high-budget and major studio films, ranging from romantic comedies and drama to science fiction and action thrillers. Following commercial successes with Santhosham (2002) [4][5], Tagore (2003)[6], Sivaji: The Boss (2007)[7][8][9][10][11] is the highest grosser in the Indian film history[12][13][14] and Kanthaswamy (2009)[15][16][17] she established herself as one of the leading actresses in the South Indian film industry[18]. Her other major box office film which established her career is Nuvve Nuvve (2002)[19], Nenunnanu (2003)[20][21][22] and Chatrapathi (2005)[23][24] which earned her a Filmfare best actress in Telugu, Thiruvilayadal Arambam (2006)[25][26], Azhagiya Tamil Magan (2007)[27][28] and Kutty (2010)[29][30] in Tamil, Awaarapan (2007)[31] which earned her Filmfare nomination for best debut actress and Mission Istaanbul (2008)[32] in Hindi and Pokkiri Raja (2010) which is her debut film[33][34][35] in Malayalam.
Early life
Shriya Saran was born in Dehradun as the second child to Pushpendra Saran and Neeraja Saran. She was brought up in Ranipur, a few miles from Haridwar. Her father Pushpendra Saran was a worker at Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited and her mother is a school teacher. She has an elder brother Abhiroop. Saran completed her schooling from Delhi Public School, Haridwar and later studied at Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi and received a B. A. degree[36]
Career
Early career (2001-2003)
Whilst studying her second year at the LSR College in Delhi, Saran got her first opportunity to appear in front of the camera. She eventually quit her studies to participate for the shoot. Following her dance teacher's recommendation, she was given the chance to appear in the music video of Reenu Nathan's Tirakthi Kyon Hawa. The video—shot at Banaras—gave her fame, prompting Ramoji Films to offer her the lead role of Neha in their film Ishtam starring and directed by newcomers. Even before the release of Ishtam, Saran signed four mega-budget films including Santosham, Chennakeshava Reddy, Nuvve Nuvve and Tagore with actors Nagarjuna, Balakrishna, Tarun and Chiranjeevi respectively.
Saran started her acting career with the Telugu film Ishtam (2001), produced by Usha Kiran Movies. The film didn't fare well at the box office, but she was noticed by many Telugu producers and directors. Soon she signed for Nagarjuna's Santosham (2002), which was a major hit. Her portrayal of Bhanu won appreciation from critics and audience alike, as described by Idlebrain reviewer Jeevi,"Sreya got the major share of the pie. She is very cute and did the role of Bhanu with élan. Her vivacious attitude and chirpy outlook added the necessary luster to her character. She is a treat to watch"[5]. Her final release of 2002 was Nuvve Nuvve with Tarun, which became a blockbuster, whilst also earning her many accolades for her performance as Anjali. The movie is about Idlebrain reviewer describe her potrayel, " Shriya is at her best in this film. She is very sensual and she expressed the feelings wonderfully with her beautiful eyes. She is sensuality personified. She did the role of a girl who is crushed between the love of an obsessive father and the feelings towards a close-to-heart boyfriend. Her wardrobe in this film includes dresses ranging from traditional sarees to mini skirts"[37], another reviewer from the same website said that "Tarun and Sreya are comfortable and offer portrayals with considerable ease"[38].
In 2003, Saran's debut Hindi film Tujhe Meri Kasam, starring debutants Ritesh Deshmukh and Genelia D'Souza in lead,[39] released first, a remake of the 2000 Telugu blockbuster Nuvve Kavali,[40] which itself was a remake of a Malayalam film. She enacted a supporting role, which was considered very small compared to that of Genelia, with Bollywood Hungama's reviewer Taran Adarsh citing that "The film could've easily done without the other girl's track (Girija), who loves the lead man but he doesn't reciprocate".[41] The movie garnered poor box office returns,[42] and failed to propel her career in Bollywood.
After her failed Bollywood debut, she again concentrated in South Indian films. She was cast to essay the lead role in the Telugu film Neeku Nenu Naaku Nuvvu opposite Uday Kiran. She played the character of Mahalakshmi and was praised for her acting and dancing talents.[43] After the success of her next Telugu release Tagore, she turned a leading and one of the most sought-after actresses in Telugu cinema. Her subsequent release Ela Cheppanu also earned her many accolades,[44] but only did average business at the box office. She next made her Tamil film debut in Enakku 20 Unakku 18,[45] again alongside Tarun and Trisha Krishnan.[46] The A. R. Rahman musical became a moderate success at the box-office, failing to gain her more projects in Tamil.
Ups and downs (2004-2007)
Saran's first 2004 role was in Nenunnanu opposite Akkineni Nagarjuna, which was a blockbuster and also critically acclaimed. She enacted the role of Anu who wants to fulfill her dream to be a singer, her performance in this film being appreciated by critics.[47][48] Later that year, she appeared in two Hindi films, Thoda Tum Badlo Thoda Hum with Arya Babbar and Shukriya: Till Death Do Us Apart alongside Aftab Shivdasani.[49][50] The former was also a failure at the box office, whilst the latter was a box office success but she did not gain any attention. Her final Telugu release of 2004 Arjun with Mahesh Babu was also an average grosser.
In 2005, she had 10 releases, 9 of which being Telugu films. Balu ABCDEFG opposite Pawan Kalyan was the first release and became an average grosser in India but this was the first Telugu film to be released in South Africa after 40 years and received overwhelming response there. After her next four Telugu films were average at box office, her film Chatrapati opposite Prabhas, released and became a successful venture and one of the biggest hits in her career. Meanwhile, she made her comeback in Kollywood through the film Mazhai with Jayam Ravi. The film did well at the box-office. She next appeared with Ravi Teja in Bhageeratha which, as of 2010, remains her recent Telugu film as the female lead, following which she had been appearing only in cameo roles and item numbers throughout 2006 and 2007, such as Boss opposite Akkineni Nagarjuna, Game opposite Vishnu, Devadasu opposite Ram, Munna opposite Prabhas and her last film Tulasi opposite Venkatesh. She also made a cameo appearance in the National Film Award-winning Bommalata.
Her only 2006 release, in which she did a "full-fledged role", was the Tamil film Thiruvilayadal Arambam with Dhanush which became her first successful Tamil film. She then beat other top actresses for the much coveted role opposite Rajinikanth in S. Shankar's Sivaji: The Boss which is the most expensive Indian film to date after Dasavathaaram. Saran then made her comeback in Hindi with Awaarapan alongside Emraan Hashmi which was the first joint production between India and Pakistan. The film was successful at the box office.
Later that year she appeared in one more Tamil film, Azhagiya Tamil Magan opposite Vijay which turned to be an average hit. She played the role of Abinaya and was praised by critics for her performance. A OneIndia reviewer wrote, "Shriya is another sweet surprise of the movie", adding that, "she is not appearing as a glamour doll, but performs well in a meaty role on par with the hero".[51] While Sify describe Shriya's performance as, "Shriya is a pure eye candy and emotes sufficiently well, especially in the crucial climax scene" besides that they also mention that, "She has a meaty role and has as much footage as the hero and her character is the crux around which the film revolves",[52] however reviewer from Rediff criticized her commenting, "her acting is as bad as her looks are good" they also says that, "The only convincing portion of the movie is when Shriya has to act as if she doesn't have a clue on who the love of her life is".[53] Besides that, reviewer from Behindwoods, describe her performance as "Shriya has a good role and she has done a decent job and looks angelic",[54] meanwhile Indiaglitz says that, "Shriya, arguably possessing the most stunning and sexy figure among today’s heroines is simply ravishing".[55]
Recent work (2008-present)
In 2008, she made a special appearance with Vadivelu in the film Indiralohathil Na Azhagappan which turn out to be her only Tamil release of 2008. She then acted in the Hindi film Mission Istanbul with Zayed Khan and Vivek Oberoi which saw Abhishek Bachchan doing a special appearance. The film was a hit at the box office. Her portrayal of Anjali Sagar was well-received by critics.[56][57]
Saran's first 2009 release, was Ek - The Power of One with Bobby Deol, the Hindi remake of the successful Telugu film Athadu, which unlike Athadu was just an average grosser. She then made her comeback in Tamil, appearing in Thoranai opposite Vishal. Unfortunately the film, too, was an average grosser at box office. She than bagged the role of Subbulakshmi opposite Vikram in the much hyped film Kanthaswamy which is also considered a moderate success.
In 2010, she first appeared in the Tamil film Kutty which is a remake of Telugu blockbuster Arya. The film was declared hit at box office.[30] Her subsequent release was K. S. Ravikumar's Jaggubhai, in which she essayes the role of Monisha, the daughter of the protagonist named Jaggubhai, played by R. Sarathkumar, who is a spoilt brat. Her role in this film gained many accolades although the film did not fare well at box office. Saran then also made her Malayalam debut with Pokkiri Raja in which she appeared opposite megastar Mammootty and Prithviraj.[58]. The film created big hype among the audience in Kerala and become a super hit in is first week, after breaking the record in Malayalam Cinema by grossing over Rs. 2.21 crores in its first week of release surpassing Twenty:20.[59][60] Saran herself was appreciated for her performance, despite appearing in a short role.[61]
Upcoming projects
Saran next will be seen in Tamil in Chikku Bukku with Arya, in which she plays the leading role [62] and has recently also signed up for the film Rowthiram opposite Jeeva.[63] Saran will make her comeback in telugu with big budget film Komaram Puli with actor Pawan Kalyan.[64] She would appear in an item number in this film, directed by S. J. Suryaah.[65] Saran will also make her comeback as a heroine in Telugu after five years gap in the film Don Seenu opposite Ravi Teja.[66][67]
But according many sources that she is currently filming with Akshay Kumar in the film Komagata Maru that will be direct by famous director Deepa Mehta [68][69]. The film will undergo a long production as the film will release in 2014 as the 100th anniversary of Komagata Maru incident[70][71]
Other work and events
Saran was a part of Tamil director Mani Ratnam's stage show, Netru, Indru, Naalai, an event which seeks to raise funds for The Banyan, a voluntary organisation which rehabilitates homeless women with mental illness in Chennai.[72] She also walked the ramp alongside Neetu Chandra for fashion designer Neeta Lulla at the Chennai International Fashion Week on 20 December 2009.[73] She is now the brand ambassador of the Lux [74][75] and the shampoo Head & Shoulders.[76] Saran recently signed as brand ambassador for a new reality dance show 'Dhee-4' along with actress Rambha.[77] Saran also signed as brand ambassador for Brooke Bond Taj Mahal Tea, a tea brand from Hindustan Unilever Limited.[78] Shriya also recently says no to soft drinks advertisements because she feels that soft drinks may harm the children's health.[79]
Controversy
Obscenity charges
In 11 January 2008, a Hindu organisation based in Chennai lodged a police complaint against Saran, objecting to the outfit worn by her during the 175th day celebration of her film, Sivaji: The Boss.[80] In a complaint, the Hindu Makkal Katchi (HMK) alleged that Shriya's outfit had 'offended Hindu culture'.[81] The complaint was officially taken in by the police and is currently under investigation. Shriya is the fourth actor, after Kushboo, Shilpa Shetty[82] and Reema Sen[83] to face the fire of political parties and organisations in recent times. Shriya then tendered an unconditional apology for “wearing inappropriate skimpy attire”. Shriya has tendered a public apology, she said:
| “ | To all Tamils and Hindus across the state, I had make a mistake. | ” |
She also stated that:
| “ | I had great respect for the tradition and culture of Tamil Nadu. | ” |
Furthermore, she explained about her action:
| “ | I was shooting for a Hindi film in Thanjavur. I came to the function directly from the shooting, and I was unaware of the repercussions because of the attire I wore during the function.[84][85] | ” |
Molested at Tirupati temple
In 8 April 2008, on Monday, while taking darshan of Lord Venkateshwara of Thirupathi. Shriya was molested by a man identified as Hari, a cleaner at a nearby mutt[86]
Philanthropy
Shriya is well known for her charity[87]. Shriya is a brand ambassador for the “Naandi” foundation and is also an ambassador for the “Saach” foundation which works for the benefit of poor children and also for the people who are effected by the natural calamities. She also helps financially for an “Prevention of Aids” foundation[88]. In 2009, she had joint hand with actor Surya Sivakumar to distribute the school stationery for poor children[89][90][91]. Shriya also promises that she will help the poor children in order to overcome child labour issues and physically affected children[92]. She also adopts two children and take care of their life expenses[93][94].
Awards
- Nominated, Filmfare Best Telugu Actress Award - Chatrapathi (2005)
- Nominated, Filmfare Best Hindi Female Debut Award - Awaarapan (2007)
- Nominated, Vijay Award for Favourite Heroine for Sivaji: The Boss (2007)
- Nominated, Vijay Award for Favourite Heroine for Kanthaswamy (2009)[95]
- Winner, Stardust Exciting New Face Award - Mission Istanbul (2008)[96]
- Winner, South Scope Style Award - Best Tamil Actress in Sivaji: The Boss (2009)[97]
- Winner, Amrita Mathrubhumi Award for Best Actress in Tamil in Kanthaswamy (2009)[98][99][100][101]
Filmography
| Year | Film | Role | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Ishtam | Neha | Telugu | |
| 2002 | Santosham | Bhanu | Telugu | |
| Chennakeshava Reddy | Preethi | Telugu | ||
| Nuvve Nuvve | Anjali | Telugu | ||
| 2003 | Tujhe Meri Kasam | Girija | Hindi | |
| Neeku Nenu Naaku Nuvvu | Seeta Lakshmi | Telugu | ||
| Tagore | Devaki | Telugu | ||
| Ela Cheppanu | Priya | Telugu | ||
| Ennaku 20 Unnaku 18 | Reshma | Tamil | ||
| 2004 | Nenunnanu | Anu | Telugu | |
| Thoda Tum Badlo Thoda Hum | Rani | Hindi | ||
| Arjun | Roopa | Telugu | ||
| Shukriya: Till Death Do Us Apart | Sanam | Hindi | ||
| 2005 | Balu ABCDEFG | Anu | Telugu | |
| Naa Alludu | Meghana | Telugu | ||
| Sadaa Mee Sevalo | Kanthi | Telugu | ||
| Soggadu | Shriya | Telugu | Cameo appearance | |
| Subhash Chandra Bose | Svarajyam | Telugu | ||
| Mogudu Pellam O Dongodu | Satyabhama | Telugu | ||
| Mazhai | Shailaja | Tamil | ||
| Chatrapathi | Neelu | Telugu | Nominated, Filmfare Best Telugu Actress Award | |
| Bhageeratha | Shweta | Telugu | ||
| Bommalata | Swathi | Telugu | Cameo appearance | |
| 2006 | Devadasu | Herself | Telugu | Special appearance |
| Game | Telugu | Special appearance | ||
| Boss | Sanjana | Telugu | Cameo appearance | |
| Thiruvilayadal Arambam | Priya | Tamil | ||
| 2007 | Munna | Dancer in the bar | Telugu | Special appearance |
| Arasu | Ankita | Kannada | Cameo appearance | |
| Sivaji: The Boss | Thamizhselvi | Tamil | Winner, South Scope Style Awards for Stylish Actress in Tamil Nominated, Vijay Award for Favourite Heroine | |
| Awaarapan | Aaliya | Hindi | Nominated, Filmfare Best Hindi Female Debut Award | |
| Tulasi | Telugu | Special appearance | ||
| Azhagiya Tamil Magan | Abinaya | Tamil | ||
| 2008 | Indiralohathil Na Azhagappan | Pidariatha | Tamil | Special appearance |
| Mission Istanbul | Anjali Sagar | Hindi | Winner, Stardust Exciting New Face Award | |
| The Other End of the Line | Priya Sethi | English | ||
| 2009 | Ek - The Power of One | Preet | Hindi | |
| Thoranai | Indhu | Tamil | ||
| Kanthaswamy | Subbulakshmi | Tamil | Winner, Amrita Mathrubhumi Award for Best Actress in Tamil Nominated, Vijay Award for Favourite Heroine | |
| Cooking with Stella | Tannu | English | ||
| 2010 | Kutty | Geetha | Tamil | |
| Jaggubhai | Monisha Jagannathan | Tamil | ||
| Pokkiri Raja | Aswathy | Malayalam | ||
| Don Seenu | Deepti | Telugu | ||
| Komaram Puli | Telugu | Post-production Special Appearance | ||
| Chikku Bukku | Anu | Tamil | Post-production | |
| Rowthiram | Tamil | Filming | ||
| Komagata Maru | Hindi | Announced |
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