A former model and TV and film actress, Madhu Shalini is noted for her works primarily in Telugu cinema, apart from starring in Kannada, Tamil and Hindi films. A trained dancer, Madhu learned Kuchipudi before starting her career as a model. She participated in many beauty contests, which eventually paved way for her entry in the film business.

She made her debut on the silver screen with Andarivaadu, a Telugu film in 2005. The following year, she starred in films like Oka 'V' Chitram (2006), and in 2007 she made debut in a Tamil film with Pazhaniappa Kalloori (2007). Her other notable films include Booth Returns (2012), Anukshanam (2014), Gopala Gopala (2015), and Goodachari (2018), a Telugu action drama directed by Sashi Kiran Tikka.