She’s played mom to many a screen heros in her 13-year career. Now, after 54 films, the pretty and charming actor Sriranjini, is ready for a change in this phase of her life. Currently shooting for Aishwarya Dhanush’s Vai Raja Vai (VRV), she opens up to City Express on her journey and the road ahead.
Sriranjini stepped into showbiz with a TV serial directed by K Balachander but it was Mani Ratnam’s Alaipayuthey that brought her to films. “I played anni to Madhavan and the film got me noticed, but I was laid back and didn’t know how to move ahead,” recalls Sriranjini. But her talent drew many a K Town filmmaker and one of her most memorable roles was in Anniyan, playing the Madisar Mami, as mom to Sada. “Shankar was very encouraging and. I enjoyed it the most, because I loved wearing the madisar!” discloses Sriranjini. Today, she’s playing mom to Next gen actor Gautham Karthik in VRV. In Rajesh’s All in All Azhagu Raja, she’s Kajal’s mom and is Vaibhav’s mother in Sekar Kammula’s Kahaani remake with Nayanthara. “I’m looking forward to my scenes with Prabhu sir in Uyirikku Uyiraga. He’s so down to earth and there’s always something to learn,” she smiles.
How does she find working with a woman director for the first time in VRV? “Aishwarya is focused and fast. As a woman, one can also relate better with her. She’s so thoughtful, she makes it a point to come to each artiste and personally tell them any changes she wants.”
About her journey so far she says, “Its been a rich experience and showbiz toughens you up. I’m glad I’ve been able to balance a joint family with my work, thanks to the family support from home.” Despite a fulfilling career, which includes one Telugu and one Malayalam film, Sriranjini has a new wish list. “I’ve been playing the traditional mom with mallipoo, pottu and sari for years. I want to play a modern mom next! I was a junior national gold medalist in 100 mts and played State-level hockey. Now I want to press a re-start button on my life again. I want to write a book and go for salsa classes. I also want to do an an art film, an ‘Amman’ role and venture big time into the Telugu industry!” she signs off.