[1] Santhoshi was born to Gopala Krishna Moorthy and television actress Poornima[2] in Chennai, India.
She then debuted in the Tamil film Baba (2002), starring Rajinikanth, playing the sister of Manisha Koirala.
Subsequently, she played supporting roles in several Tamil films: Aasai Aasaiyai (2002), Bala (2002), Maaran (2002) and Military (2003), before enacting lead female roles and foraying into other South Indian film industries as well.
She also appeared in popular Telugu films such as Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana (2005) and Bangaram (2006), in supporting roles.
She was crowned "Miss Chinnathirai 2007" at a beauty contest organized for television actresses.