Gopika was born 'Girly Anto' into a Syrian Christian family, to Anto Francis and Tessy Anto of Ollur in Thrissur, Kerala. She has a younger sister, Glini. After completing her education to the 12th Standard (Year 12) at St. Raphael's Convent Girls High School, Ollur, she studied for a degree in Sociology at Calicut University. She also learnt classical dance from an acclaimed teacher, Kamalher, and she was crowned 'Miss College' during her farewell ceremony at the college. The beauty contest 'Miss Thrissur' was a turning point in her life. Though she did not win the title, she stood as the runner-up in the contest, which gained her a few modeling assignments. She claims that she never wanted to be an actress, and her ambition was actually to be an air-hostess.

Her first film was Pranayamanithooval, in which she starred with Jayasurya and Vineeth under the direction of Thulasi Das, did not do well, but it got her recognition in the industry. Her second film, 4 the People, was a blockbuster and was dubbed in many Indian languages. It was directed by Jayaraj, and she acted opposite Tamil actor Bharath. The song "Lejjavathiye Ninde Kalla Kadaikkannil" from the film was a big hit in Kerala. Renowned Tamil movie director Cheran signed her up for his film Autograph, which was another big hit in 2004. She also acted in Kana Kandaen.

Among her other work, she has acted in Kannada film Kanasina Loka and the Telugu remake of Azhagi. Her Telugu film Leta Manasulu, directed by Raju Upati, crashed at the box office. She starred in the Malayalam movie Kirtichakra opposite Jiiva. Directed by Major Ravi, the movie tells the story of a soldier against the backdrop of the Kargil war. Apart from Kirtichakra, she did another movie with Dileep: Pachakuthira. Her previous film with Dileep, Chanthupottu, was a big hit. Veruthe Oru Bharya was a phenomenal hit, and it gained her the Asianet Best Actress award of 2008.

On 17 July 2008, Gopika married Ajilesh Chacko, a doctor working in Northern Ireland. She returned to the cinema industry after marriage, acting in Swantham Lekhakan and says that she will act in more films if she gets good opportunities and likes the script. She says that her husband doesn't mind her acting and that she is getting a lot of support from him and her family.They have a daughter Amy and a son Aiden.^[6] Gopika made a comeback to the Malayalam cinema in Bharya Athra Pora with Jayaram, directed by Akku Akbar.^[7] She now lives in Brisbane, Australia.

• 2004 – Asianet Best Supporting Actress Award – Vesham
• 2006 – Asianet Best Star Pair Award – Keerthi Chakra
• 2009 – Asianet Best Actress Award – Veruthe Oru Bharya
• 2008 – Vanitha Film Award for Best Actress – Veruthe Oru Bharya

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