Aarathi (born in 1954)[2][3] is an Indian actress who mainly acted in Kannada films during the 1970s and 1980s. She has won the Filmfare awards South and the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Actress four times. After her retirement from films in the 1980s, she made a comeback in 2005 as a director with Mithayi Mane which was met with critical appreciation and also won the Karnataka State Film Award for Best Children's Film.[4] She was nominated as a Member of the Legislative Council of the Vidhana parishad, making her the second actress after B. Jayamma to be nominated.[5]
After a short role in Gejje Pooje (1969), Aarathi starred as a leading actress in over 120 films including Naagarahaavu, Edakallu Guddada Mele, Bili Hendthi, Dharmasere, Paduvaaralli Pandavaru, Ranganayaki, Hombisilu, Upasane and Shubhamangala. Her collaboration with director Puttanna Kanagal included twelve films. In 1986 she directed the TV series, Namma Nammalli.[3]