Shilpa made her debut with the 1989 film Bhrashtachar in which she played the role of a blind girl. She then starred opposite Anil Kapoor in the super hit film Kishen Kanhaiya (1990), She had several other successful films such as Trinetra (1991), Hum (1991), "Dil Hi To Hai" (1992), "Aankhen (1993), "Pehchaan" (1993), "Gopi Kishan" (1994), Bewafa Sanam (1995) and the critically acclaimed Mrityudand (1997). Her last film appearance was in the 2000 film Gaja Gamini. She was praised for her performances in films like Mritiyudand, Khuda Gawah, Choti Bahu & Gopi Kishan. She was a Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Award Nominee for Khuda Gawah.

She tied the knot with Apresh Ranjit, a wealthy merchant banker from UK on Sunday, 11 July 2000 in Mumbai. She quit acting after marriage and settled down in London, UK where her husband is employed with Barclays Bank. She gave birth to a daughter, Anushka, in 2003, and now calls herself a 'full-time mom'.

She tied the knot with Apresh Ranjit, a wealthy merchant banker from UK on Sunday, 11 July 2000 in Mumbai. She quit acting after marriage and settled down in London, UK where her husband is employed with Barclays Bank. She gave birth to a daughter, Anushka, in 2003, and now calls herself a 'full-time mom'.