Shilpa made her debut with the 1989 film Bhrashtachar. In which she played the role of a blind girl, her rape scene in the film create lot of buzz in media. Later she did Kishan Kanhaiya, in which she bathed under a water-fall wearing white cloths, but it was presented beautifully. She has appeared in several successful films such as Kishen Kanhaiya (1990), Trinetra (1991), Khuda Gawah(1992), Hum (1991), Raghuvir (1994), Aankhen (1993),Pehchaan(1994) 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 got Filmfare Best Supporting Actress Nominee for Khuda Gawah,but lost it to Aruna Irani, who won it for Beta. Shilpa was often criticised for her weight. In her every second film there was always a rainy song dance number picturised on her. She was all set to work with Kamal Hasan in a film called Ladies Only, which was to star Randhir Kapoor, Sima Biswas & Renuka Shahne, but that film shelved.

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 mum'.

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 mum'.