I can claim to have many sons in this industry: Saranya

From Alai to the recently released Yennamo Nadakkuthu, Saranya Ponvannan has been the first choice of directors for the role of an innocent, friendly mom. The actress, who has essayed the character of a mom in a number of films including Ram, Kalavani, Thavamai Thavamirunthu, Emdan Magan, Oru Kal Oru Kannadi and Neerparavai films, won the National Award for the best actress for portraying the character of a doting mother in Thenmerku Paruvakaatru. For the last 15 years, Saranya has only played the role of a mother in films. On International Mother���s Day, Chennai Times got talking to Saranya, Kollywood���s favourite mom.
Mom���s the word���
Alai was the first film in which I played the role of a mother. When director Vikram approached me for the role, I had no apprehensions accepting it because I didn���t think too much about it. I never thought that it would be a long journey for me in this industry as a mother. I was not scared that I would be given only mom roles from then on. Earlier, in Tamil films, there used to be older moms. Then came the period of friendly young moms and that���s how I was able to work on so many films in the role of a young enthusiastic mother. I personally take it as a challenge because I have survived in this industry by just playing the character of a mother.
Off-screen ���Amma���
In all my films, nobody on the set has called me madam so far. All of them have fondly called me Amma and this includes the lead actors as well. My roles onscreen and my bonding with them off-screen have given me that prestigious status on the set. Having worked with all the heroes, I can claim to have many sons in this industry!
About on-screen sons
Many ask me which has been my favourite character so far and to which actor I suit the most as a mother. I definitely cannot see my roles and my on-screen sons like that. All are same and I enjoyed playing all the characters. Be it Udhayanidhi, Jiiva, or Sasikumar, all the actors I have worked with have treated me like their mother off-screen too.
The typical mom
I have been playing innocent, friendly mom roles so far and I think I have got an opportunity to reflect the face of all the mothers out there through my roles. Many youngsters have told me that my onscreen characters are exactly like their moms. Appreciation like this keeps me motivated and enables me to take up more such roles.
The real mom
I have daughters. My on-screen characters are quite similar to my real character and I am very friendly with my daughters. I think I am their best friend. I personally feel that you can discipline a child only through love and definitely not by being strict or rude.
Inspiration
My mom is my biggest inspiration. She was just a beautiful homemaker and such an affectionate person. From childhood, I never wanted to become an actress, doctor or an engineer. Inspired by my mom, I always wanted to be a mom. I think the satisfaction being a mother gives can be given by no other job.