Born in Mumbai to Marathi parents who were stage actors,[citation needed] Joshi made her acting debut at age four with a minor role in the Hindi film Naag Mere Sathi (1973).

Joshi also appeared in several commercial films, including Insaaf Ki Awaaz (1986), Andha Yudh (1987), which earned her a nomination for the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress, Mujrim (1989), Saudagar (1991), Panaah (1992).

Joshi's career further expanded with her venture into television, garnering praise and popularity for revered Doordarshan shows as; Talaash (1992), Aarohan (1996–1997), Alpviram (1998), Justujoo (2002–2004).

In the 1980s and early 1990s she acted in art films like Rukmavati Ki Haveli (1991), Suraj Ka Satvan Ghoda (1992), Trishagni (1988), Vanchit, Bhujangayyana Dashavathara (1991) and Rihaee (1988).

She also played supporting character roles as a sister or the heroine's friend in commercial big budget films including Saudagar, Panaah, Tehelka and Mujrim.

She acted with Madhavan in a thriller titled Yeh Kahaan Aa Gaye Hum, which was stopped abruptly.