She rose to prominence by her collaborations with Kannada filmmaker Puttanna Kanagal in the novel adaptation dramas Upasane (1974), Shubhamangala (1975), Bili Hendthi (1975), Dharmasere (1979) and Ranganayaki (1981).
She gained widespread recognition and accolades for playing a soft spoken girl who ends up living a tragic life post her marriage.
Their combination produced successful films such as Edakallu Guddada Mele (1973), Upasane (1974), Bili Hendthi (1975), Shubhamangala (1975), Paduvaaralli Pandavaru (1978), Dharmasere (1979) and Ranganayaki (1981).
Starting from the supporting role in magnum opus Kasturi Nivasa (1971), she was repeatedly cast opposite Rajkumar in as many as 12 films which were successful at the box-office and also critically acclaimed.
Her second successful pairing was with Vishnuvardhan with whom she worked in multiple films including Hanthakana Sanchu (1980), Bangarada Jinke (1980), Pedda Gedda (1982), Kalluveene Nudiyithu (1983), Khaidi (1984) and Madhuve Madu Tamashe Nodu (1986).
Aarathi featured in several female-centered critically acclaimed films such as Manini (1979), Vasantha Lakshmi (1978), Shubhamangala (1975), Anurakthe (1980), Archana (1982), Kannu Theresida Hennu (1982) and Sati Sakkubai (1985).