In 2010, Shetty participated in a beauty contest organised by
The Times of India, Clean & Clear Fresh Face. Competing in
Mumbai, she won the event there and then went on to win it again at the national level, eventually becoming the face of the brand for a year. She made her film debut in 2012, with a
Tulu film,
Telikeda Bolli. During the time, she appeared in various other television commercials. This was when film directors
Vetrimaaran and
Manimaran approached her to play the lead role in their venture,
Udhayam NH4. The film saw her play a
Bangalore-based
Tamil-speaking college girl, who elopes with the character played by
Siddharth. She gained mixed reviews for her portrayal in the film, with a reviewer noting she could be a promising actress in the making. Sangeeta Devi from
The Hindu said "Newcomer Ashrita Shetty shows promise and her capability of bringing to the screen the vulnerability and innocence of a 17/18-year-old makes her endearing. This girl has huge potential." She then signed the lead in the action adventure film
Indrajith opposite
Gautham Karthik. ==Personal life==