Making her television debut in 1995, she gained overnight stardom due to her terrific performance as Meenakshi Mathur in popular sitcom Hum Paanch.

In 2005, she reprised the same character in its sequel, Instant Khichdi which was equally successful as its predecessor, making Pathak an established actress in Indian television medium.

She portrayed the twisted character of Sheela Devi in SAB TV's popular light-comedy show Main Kab Saas Banoongi.

"[citation needed] The character became huge popular among audiences, and she was praised for bringing toughness to her negative portrayal.

In 2017, she bagged the villainous character of Padmini (also called Vaidehi) in Colors TV's medical drama show Savitri Devi College & Hospital, which is created by Rashmi Sharma with whom Pathak had worked in Saath Nibhaana Saathiya.