Jyothika is a renowned Indian actress and producer who is regarded as one of the most talented and bankable actresses in South Indian cinema.
Starting her acting career with Vaalee opposite Ajith Kumar in 1999, Jyothika quickly became one of South India’s leading ladies, widely admired for her natural acting, charming screen presence, and versatility. Known for memorable roles in films like Kushi (2000), Kaakha Kaakha (2003), Chandramukhi (2005), Mozhi (2007), 36 Vayadhinile (2015), Ponmagal Vandhal (2020), and Kaathal – The Core (2003). She has won numerous accolades, including three Filmfare Awards South and three Tamil Nadu State Film Awards. Her journey from Mumbai outsider to Kollywood icon is nothing short of inspirational. So, who is Jyothika? Here’s everything you need to know about the actress.
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Jyothika Biography
Jyothika was born on the 18th of October 1977, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. She’s currently 46 years old.
| Birth Name | Jyothika Sadanah |
| Nickname | Jo, Sona |
| Date of Birth | October 18, 1977 |
| Place of Birth | Bombay, Maharashtra, India |
| Age | 46 |
| Sun Sign | Libra |
| Profession | Actress |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Ethnicity | Mixed |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Suriya |
| Children | 2 |
| Residence | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
Early Life: Family and Education
Jyothika is the daughter of Chander Sadanah, a film producer, and his wife Seema Sadanah. Her father is a Punjabi Hindu, while her mother is a Maharashtrian muslim. She grew up with her brother Suraj, who works as an assistant director, and sister Roshni, who is also an actress. She’s the half-sister of Actress Nagma.
She completed her schooling at Learners Academy in Mumbai. She later attended Mithibai College in Mumbai, earning a degree in Psychology.
Jyothika Married Life
Jyothika has been in a relationship with actor Suriya since 1999. They met on the sets of Poovellam Kettuppar (1999) and began dating soon after. After seven years of dating, they married on September 11, 2006, in a traditional Tamil ceremony in Chennai. They have two children – daughter Diya (born August 10, 2007) and son Dev (born June 7, 2010).
Physical Statistics
| Height | Feet – 5 feet 7 inches Centimeters – 170 cm Meters – 1.7 m |
| Weight | Kilograms – 68 kg Pounds – 149 lbs |
| Body Build | Average |
| Eye Color | Light Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Distinctive Features | Full Lips Chubby cheeks |
Career Overview
Jyothika’s career spans over 25 years, from her Bollywood debut to Tamil superstardom and production. She made her acting debut in 1998 in the Hindi film Doli Saja Ke Rakhna, directed by Priyadarshan, but found success in the South with Vaali (1999), starring opposite Ajith Kumar. She gained critical recognition for her performance as Sona, which earned her a Filmfare Award for Best Female Debut – South and Dinakaran Award for Best Debut Female.
In 2002, she made her Telugu and Kannada debut with a multilingual film, One Two Three, and in 2007, she first appeared in a Malayalam film, Rakkilippattu.
She became an established actor with breakthrough roles in Kushi (2000), Dumm Dumm Dumm (2001), Poovellam Un Vasam (2001), Kaakha Kaakha (2003), and Chandramukhi (2005), one of the biggest Tamil hits ever.
She took a break from acting after marriage and made a comeback with 36 Vayadhinile (2015), followed by Magalir Mattum (2017), Kaatrin Mozhi (2018), Raatchasi (2019), and Ponmagal Vandhal (2020). In 2023, she starred opposite Mamootty in the Malayalam-language film Kaathal – The Core, which earned her several accolades, including a Filmfare Award and a nomination for the Kerala State Film Award for Best Actress.
She ventured into production with 2D Entertainment, backing films like Soorarai Pottru (2020). Her recent works include Srikanth (2024), Shaitaan (2024 Hindi remake), and Dabba Cartel (2025).
Brand Endorsements
She has endorsed several brands like Idhayam oil and Paragon footwear in the past. She was also the brand ambassador for RmKV silk sarees and Wardrobe Hub in Chennai. Later, she appeared in adverts for Aircel and Nescafé along with her husband Suriya. She also appeared in commercials for Comfort, Shakthi Aasala, and Santoor Soap.
Jyothika Net Worth
Jyothika, the budding actress and the mother of two kids, has accumulated a net worth of $40 million as of 2025. She charges a handsome salary for her films and adds to that her high-profile endorsement deals.
She lives with her husband and family in a luxurious house in Mumbai.
Favorite Things
- Actors – Aamir Khan, John Travolta
- Actress – Sridevi, Simran
- Food – Butter Chicken
- Color – Red and Black
Facts
Jyothika is the first Indian actress to win both the Filmfare Award for Best Actress – Tamil and the Filmfare Critics Award for Best Actress.
During her peak as an actress, she was the highest-paid and the most sought-after actress in the industry.
Actor Vikram referred to her as Lady Kamal Hassan due to her dedication to acting.
With an acting career spanning more than 20 years, she has paired with all of the top-notch actors in the Tamil film industry.
She is fluent in Hindi, Tamil, and English.
Jyothika is a strong supporter of women’s empowerment and often chooses films with social messages.
She is a vegetarian.
FAQs
Who is Jyothika?
Jyothika is a renowned Indian actress best known for her contributions to Tamil cinema. With a career spanning over two decades, she is admired for her versatile roles in films like Kushi (2000), Kaakha Kaakha (2003), Chandramukhi (2005), Mozhi (2007), 36 Vayadhinile (2015), Ponmagal Vandhal (2020), and Kaathal – The Core (2003).
How old is Jyothika?
She is 46 years old in 2025.
Who is Jyothika married to?
Jyothika is married to Tamil actor Suriya Sivakumar. The couple tied the knot on September 11, 2006, in Chennai.
Does Jyothika have children?
Yes, Jyothika and Suriya have two children – a daughter named Diya and a son named Dev.
What is Jyothika’s net worth?
As of 2025, Jyothika’s estimated net worth is around $40 million (₹330 crores), earned through acting, endorsements, and production ventures under 2D Entertainment.
What is Jyothika doing now?
Jyothika continues to act in selective films, focusing on women-centric and socially impactful roles. She is also actively involved in production, along with her husband, Suriya, under 2D Entertainment.