Aarthi, also known as Harathi (born 9 November 1987) is an Indian actress, comedian and television host who works in Tamil films and television dramas. She initially worked as a child artist in the late 1990s, she also appeared in stand-up comedy shows namely Super10 and Lollu Sabha, before joining the Tamil film industry, she has played roles in Giri (2004), Padikkadavan (2009) and Kutty (2010).^[1]

She started her career in Vanna Kanavugal movie when she was only 6 months old. Later Iyal Isai Nadaka Mandram headed by ex chief minister of Tamil Nadu Mr. Mu. Karunanidhi awarded her "Kalaimamani" for her unique style of humorous acting in films. Some of her popular early films included Arul (2004), Giri (2004) and Kundakka Mandakka (2005), in which she collaborated with actor Vadivelu.^[2][3] For her roles in Padikkadavan (2009) and Kutty (2010), she won the Best Female Comedienne awards from Ananda Vikatan for two consecutive years.^[4] Subsequently, in 2012, she was described as "Kollywood's most sought after comedienne".^{[citation needed]} During the same year, she was awarded the Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Comedian for her work in the film, Paraseega Mannan (2012).^[5] She later won appreciation from The Hindu's critic for her appearance in an item number in Vishnuvardhan's Yatchan (2015).^[6]

In 2017, Aarthi took part in the Tamil reality television show, Bigg Boss hosted by Kamal Haasan. She was evicted from the show on day 21, but later returned for a fortnight as a guest contestant.^[7]

Aarthi married fellow comedian Ganeshkar in a ceremony in Guruvayoor during October 2009, before the pair returned to Chennai for a wedding reception. The pair had earlier been dance partners during the reality dance show, Maanada Mayilada.^[8]