There are very few cases of stars who started their career as child artists and later shone as adults as well, and one among them is Shalini. Having acted in more than 80 movies as a child artist in multiple languages, Shalini made a mark as a heroine as well, in her own inimitable style with consummate ease.

Having made a mark as a child artist, Shalini played female lead in Tamil in just 5 movies, but each of these roles have presented her in a unique manner that fans still wait for her to make a comeback to films. Her career began impressively with her performance as Mini in Kadhalukku Mariyathai where she displayed multiple emotions - love, affection towards her family and the inability to let go of either of them, and won the hearts of the audience.

Shalini then enticed audience as the lovable Mohana - despite being a cop dad's dearest child, she falls for the goon Vasu, and stands for her love, while also transforming him with her unconditional love. With her bubbly, energetic performance in the family episodes as well as the emotional moments in the romance sequences, Shalini turned an instant favourite of many. Not to forget her singing debut as well, with Sondha Kuralil Paada, a lovely number.

And then came one of the most favourite characters - Shakthi of Maniratnam's Alaipayuthey, and Shalini's memorable performance in the movie still makes a lot of men dream to marry a girl like Shakthi. Piriyatha Varam vendum though wasn't successful, had Shalini's cute expressions and emotional act as a girl caught between friendship and love making it another unforgettable role.

Post marriage, Shalini quit acting, and has been focusing on her family, with support from the love of her life, actor Ajith Kumar. Shalini also surprised fans by taking the avatar of a badminton player, winning several tournaments. It's been two decades since Shalini acted in films, but fans are hopeful of the actress returning to acting some day, just like Alaipayuthey's Karthik waits for Shakthi in the medical camp. The actress, in her short career has made a huge impact that her place in Kollywood as a cute performer is still vacant. Wishing the talented Shalini Ajith a very happy birthday.