[2] Her first release was Ninagagi, opposite Vijay Raghavendra, which was followed by Tavarige Baa Tangi, starring Shivrajkumar; both films were highly successful ventures.

[2] In 2003, she appeared in five Kannada films, including Hemanth Hegde's directorial debut Ooh La La;[3] Hudugigaagi, alongside S. P. B. Charan; Yograj Bhat's maiden feature film Mani, in which she played the daughter of a prostitute;[2] Thayi Illada Thabbali and Mane Magalu, all of which were commercial failures.

[9] Again in 2005 she appeared in Anna Thangi collaborating with the Tavarige Baa Tangi team, Shivrajkumar and Radhika again playing the elder brother and younger sister roles, respectively.

[15] She later established a production studio named Shamika Enterprises[16] and produced the film Lucky, starring Ramya and Yash.

[20] Born in a Tulu-speaking family,[21] Radhika reportedly married Ratan Kumar at the Sri Durga Parameshwari Temple, Kateel on 26 November 2000.

[22] In April 2002, Ratan Kumar filed a complaint, alleging that Radhika's father Devraj had abducted her as he feared that news of her marriage may "jeopardise her career".