Aarthi Ganeshkar

Aarthi
Aarthi
Occupation(s)	Actress, comedian, television presenter
Years active	Late 1990s–present
Known for	Tamil cinema and television

Aarthi, also referred to as Harathi, is a prominent Indian actress, comedian, and television presenter primarily involved in Tamil cinema and TV. Starting her journey as a child performer in the late 1990s, she rose to fame through stand-up comedy programs such as Super10 and Lollu Sabha. Some of her significant film appearances include Giri (2004), Padikkadavan (2009), and Kutty (2010).

Career

Aarthi's entry into the film world began as a baby artist in Vanna Kanavugal. She was honored with the esteemed "Kalaimamani" award by the Tamil Nadu government under former chief minister Mu. Karunanidhi, acknowledging her unique comedic flair. Early milestones in her career feature films like Arul (2004), Giri (2004), and Kundakka Mandakka (2005), where she often worked alongside actor Vadivelu.

She earned back-to-back Best Female Comedienne accolades from Ananda Vikatan for her roles in Padikkadavan and Kutty. Moreover, she received the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Comedian for her work in Paraseega Mannan (2012). Her performance in an item number for Vishnuvardhan's Yatchan (2015) was commended by critics from The Hindu.

In 2017, Aarthi broadened her media exposure by joining the Tamil reality series Bigg Boss, hosted by Kamal Haasan. Though she was eliminated on day 21, she made a brief return as a guest participant.

Personal life

In October 2009, Aarthi wed fellow comedian Ganeshkar in Guruvayoor, followed by a reception held in Chennai. Before their marriage, the duo had partnered as dancers on the reality show Maanada Mayilada.

Tamil films

Child artist

Vanna Kanavugal (1987)
En Thangai Kalyani (1988)
Thendral Sudum (1989)
Kavalukku Kettikaran (1990)
Anjali (1990)
Chatriyan (1990)

Comedian

Arul (2004)
Giri (2004)
Maayavi (2005)
Kaatrullavarai (2005)
Kundakka Mandakka (2005)
Chinna (2005)
Kannamma (2005)
Pattiyal (2006)
Azhagai Irukkirai Bayamai Irukkirathu (2006)
Thirupathi (2006)
Parijatham (2006)
Kusthi (2006)
Sivi (2006)
Nenjirukkum Varai (2006)
Thaamirabharani (2007)
Malaikottai (2007)
Machakaaran (2007)
Kuruvi (2008)
Jayamkondaan (2008)
Villu (2009)
Padikkadavan (2009)
Guru En Aalu (2009)
Engal Aasan (2009)
Adada Enna Azhagu (2009)
Karthik Anitha (2009)
Ainthaam Padai (2009)
Thoranai (2009)
Pudhiya Payanam (2009)
Malai Malai’’ (2009)
’’Pinju Manasu’’ (2009)
’’Suriyan Satta Kalloori’’ (2009)
’’Netru Pol Indru Illai’’ (2009)
’’Kutty’’ (2010)
’’Thairiyam’’ (2010)
’’Veerasekaran’’ (2010)
’’Guru Sishyan’’ (2010)
’’Pournami Nagam’’ (2010)
’’Bale Pandiya’’ (2010)
’’Uthama Puthiran’’(2010)
’’Aduthathu’’(2011)
’’Kazhugu’’(2012)
’’Thadaiyara Thaakka’’(2012)
’’Chaarulatha’’(2012)
Paraseega Mannan(2012)
’’Ethir Neechal ’’(2013)
’’Naan Rajavaga Pogiren’’(2013)
Sonna Puriyathu(2013)
Chithirayil Nilachoru(2013)
Ya Ya(2013)
Kantha(2013)
Vanakkam Chennai(2013)
Ingu Kadhal Katrutharapadum(2013)
’’Inga Enna Solluthu’’(2014)
Idhu Kathirvelan Kadhal(2014)
Naan Sigappu Manithan(2014)
Vetri Selvan(2014)
Aranmanai(2014)
Kayal(2014)
Killadi(2015)
Sonna Pochu(2015)

*Moone Moonu Varthai(2015) 
*Yatchan(2015) 
*Kalai Vendhan(2015) 
*Sowkarpettai(2016) 
*Aasi(2016)  
*Thiraikku Varadha Kadhai(2016)  
*Kaththi Sandai(2016)  
*Enna Thavam Seitheno(2018)  
*Sandimuni(2020)  
*Baby and Baby(2025)  
*Sumo(2025)  
*Mrs & Mr(2025)

Films in Other Languages

Telugu cinema

Malayalam cinema

Notebook (2006)
Money Ratnam (2014)
Girls (2016)

Kannada cinema

Vishnuvardhana (2011)

Honors

Year	Award
2009	Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award for Best Comedian – Female - Padikkadavan
2010	Ananda Vikatan Cinema Award for Best Comedian – Female - Kutty
2012	Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Comedian - Paraseega Mannan

Television Appearances

Year	Program	Details
	Super 10
	Dhinam Dhinam Deepavali
2008	Maanada Mayilada
2008	Kalasam
2009	Anu alavum bayamillai
2012	Sirippulogam
	Kitchen Super Star (Season 1)
2017	Bigg Boss
2017-2018	Kalakka Povathu Yaaru? (season 5)	(Seasons 5, 6, and 7)
2017-2018	Star Wars
2018	Bigg Boss Tamil 2	Guest from days 85 to 91
2019	Sun Kudumbam Viruthugal
2020	Idhayathai Thirudathey
2021	Anbe Vaa
2021	LOL: Enga Siri Paapom	Participant
2022	Abhiyum Naanum