Shanthi was a volleyball player for the Tamil Nadu team when director
Bharathiraja cast her in
En Uyir Thozhan (1990). The failure of the film prompted her to stop appearing in Tamil films. She made a brief return in 2010, playing a mother role in
Aval Peyar Thamizharasi before earning critical acclaim as
Karthi’s feisty, possessive mother in
Pa. Ranjith’s
Madras (2014). She has since also been a part of
A. R. Murugadoss’
Kaththi (2014), where she played
Vijay’s mother, and the political drama
Purampokku Engira Podhuvudamai (2015). She also acted in television serials such as
Bharathiraja's
Appanum Athaalum which was telecast on
Kalaignar TV and also in serials
Avalum Penn Thaane and
Kanavarukaaga which were telecast on
Sun TV. ==Personal life==