Shilpa's debut movie was Baazigarin 1993 as Seema Chopra. She played the role of Kajol's sister. Shilpa was nominated for Filmfare Lux New Face of the Year and Best Supporting Actress for her role. This movie brought her to the limelight.
Her next successful movie was Pardesi Babu in 1998, which is a comedy film. She played a role of supporting actress as Chinni Chopra. Shilpa won the Bollywood Movie Awards for Best Supporting Actress.
Shilpa's next successful movie was Dhadkan, a 2000 romantic film opposite Sunil Shetty and Akshay Kumar. It was the fourth highest grossing film of that year. Shilpa was nominated for IIFA Best Actress. The song Dulhe Ka Sehra, became a hit song for weddings and is still a favourite for weddings.
Her movie in 2005 was Dus, which is a action thriller film. Shilpa played the role of Aditi Kumar, a former member of Anti-Terrorist Cell (ATC). She won Annual Central European Bollywood Awards for Best Supporting Actress for the role in this movie.
Shilpa's last successful movie was Life in a Metro in 2007. She played the role of Shikha and won Zee Cine Awards for Best Actor in Supporting Role - Female as well as Annual Central European Bollywood Awards for Best Actress.