Born on August 22, 1976, in Mumbai, Jothika began her acting career in the late 1990s. Her early films, such as "Gnanapazham" (1996) and "Thiruppavai" (1997), showcased her talent and laid the foundation for her future success. However, it was her performance in "Chennai Express" (2000) that catapulted her to stardom. Her chemistry with co-star Ajith Kumar and her captivating on-screen presence made her an instant favorite among Tamil film audiences.