Vijaya Shanthi began her acting career in the late 1980s, initially appearing in small roles in Telugu films. However, it wasn't long before she gained recognition for her talent and dedication, landing leading roles in several successful films. Her breakthrough performance came in the 1990s, with her starring roles in movies like "Chanti" and "Sankeertana". These early successes not only established her as a talented actress but also gave her the platform to experiment with her fashion choices.