Jayakodi Arachchilage Lochana Hansamali Jayakodi (born 24 September 1994), commonly known as Lochi, has made a significant mark in the digital world as a Sri Lankan Internet celebrity, YouTuber, dancer, model, actress, and television presenter. Since her career’s inception in 2016, Lochi has become a prominent figure on platforms like TikTok and YouTube, captivating a vast audience with her engaging content.
Early Life and Background
Lochana was born in Piliyandala, Colombo, Sri Lanka, as the eldest child of Kapila Susira Kumara, a male nurse at Apeksha Cancer Hospital in Maharagama, and Indrani Arugamage, a homemaker who tragically passed away in 2014 due to a lung infection. Lochana has two younger sisters, Dhanushika Madhushani and Rumesha Ushani. She received her primary education at Piliyandala Junior School, continued her studies at Dharmasena Attigala Girls School for her Ordinary Levels, and completed her Advanced Levels at Buddhist Girls College, Mount Lavinia.
The Spark of a Dancing Career
Before venturing into the digital space, Lochana was a passionate dancer. She was part of the Certified Zumba Instructor Network (ZIN) and participated in various professional dance troupes across Sri Lanka. Her love for dance and the influence of internet personalities like Lele Pons inspired her to explore the world of social media.
Digital Journey Begins
In 2016, Lochana embarked on her digital journey by creating a TikTok account through the Musically app. Her initial videos, which featured dance acts with friends, received positive feedback, setting the stage for her online success. A Bollywood dance video became her first viral hit, and by 2018, she had diversified her content to include comedy sketches. Lochi’s blend of dance, comedy, and lip-sync videos on TikTok earned her a substantial following, with over 850,000 followers to date.
Expanding Horizons
Lochi’s talents extend beyond TikTok. At 12, she acted in a stage play, and later, in an as-yet-unaired television serial. Her YouTube channel, started in August 2018, features comedy videos created with collaborator Kelum Devanarayana and has attracted a large subscriber base, surpassing 452,000 by May 2021. Lochi’s versatility is further demonstrated through her appearances in commercials for brands like Signal, Lemon Puff, Ritzbury Bubbles, Munchee, and People’s Bank.
Television and Business Ventures
In addition to her social media success, Lochi has made strides in television. She presented the youth program ‘Y-cafe’ on Sirasa TV and debuted as an actress in the 2021 television serial “Race” on Siyatha TV, playing the role of Randuli. Recognized for her potential, she received support from parliamentarian Suren Raghavan in 2021 to further her career.
Lochi’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to establish “Lochi Studios Pvt. Ltd.,” a 360-degree digital marketing agency, demonstrating her ambition to extend her influence beyond entertainment into the business realm.
Conclusion
Lochi’s journey from a dancer in Piliyandala to a celebrated internet personality and businesswoman showcases her multifaceted talent and determination. Her story is a testament to how passion, coupled with the power of digital media, can create new avenues for success and recognition. As she continues to evolve and expand her horizons, Lochi remains an inspiring figure in the Sri Lankan digital landscape.
