Baby Shalini Age, Husband, Family, Biography & More

Some Lesser Known Facts About Baby Shalini

• Former Indian actress and child artist, Baby Shalini, gained prominence in the Malayalam and Tamil film industries. During the 80s, she was widely recognized as a talented child artist in Malayalam cinema, winning the Kerala State Film Award for Best Child Artist for her remarkable performance in Ente Mamattukkuttiyammakku (1983). After a hiatus from child acting, she reemerged in 1997 as the leading lady in Malayalam and Tamil language films. However, in 2000, she decided to retire from acting following her marriage to the popular Tamil actor Ajith Kumar.

• Her father was originally from Kollam in Kerala, but he moved to Madras (now Chennai) with his wife and children in pursuit of his dream to become an actor. Despite failing to establish himself in the film industry, he managed to fulfill his aspirations through his children.

• Shalini began her acting career at the tender age of three-and-a-half in the Malayalam film Ente Mamattikkuttiyammakku (1983). Subsequently, she showcased her talent as a child artist in several Malayalam films, including Chakkarayumma (1984), Sandarbham (1984), Vannu Kandu Keezhadakki (1985), Muhurtham Pathnonnu Muppathinu (1985), Oru Nokku Kanan (1985), and Ente Entethu Mathrem (1986).

• The “Baby Shalini haircut,” which consisted of a short bob with a front fringe, became incredibly popular in the 80s, thanks to her iconic hairstyle.

• In addition, she made appearances as a child artist in several Tamil films including Bandham (1985), Pillai Nila (1985), Shankar Guru (1987), Michael Raj (1987), and Raja Chinna Roja (1989).
• The Tamil film “Shankar Guru” was released in 1987.

• As a child artist, she appeared in several Telugu films, such as Chinnari Devatha (1987), Brahma Puthrudu (1988), and Jagadeka Veerudu Atiloka Sundari (1990).

• In the late 1980s, she made an appearance in the TV series Amloo on Doordarshan.

• She played the role of Sona in the hit Malayalam film Niram, released in 1999. Her other notable Malayalam films include Kaliyoonjal (1997), Sundarakilladi (1998), and Prem Poojari (1999).

• During her hiatus from acting following her role in Kadhalukku Mariyaadhai (1997), Ajith approached her with an offer to star in Amarkalam (1999). Initially, she declined the opportunity, stating her intention to concentrate on her exams. However, after watching the preview of Kaadhal Mannan, featuring Ajith, she agreed to join the project.

• Shalini and Ajith Kumar’s love blossomed during the filming of the Tamil movie Amarkalam (1999), leading them to tie the knot. Shalini took on the role of Mohana in the film, portraying the character with finesse.

• Following that, she made a public declaration stating that she would retire from acting after getting married. During an interview, she confidently expressed, “I have absolutely left behind my acting career and have no desire whatsoever to revive it, not even in my wildest imaginings. Marriage holds immense importance in a woman’s life, and when I tie the knot with Ajithkumar, my true love, I will wholeheartedly embrace the responsibility of being the leader of our family. My decision stands firm and resolute.”
• Shalini played the role of Hema Rajashekar in the Tamil romantic thriller film “Kannukkul Nilavu” alongside Vijay, which turned out to be a commercial success. In the year 2000, she portrayed the character of Hema in the same film.

• Shalini took on the role of Dr. Shakthi in the Tamil romantic drama film Alai Payuthey in the same year she rose to prominence. This film, which marked R. Madhavan’s Tamil debut, showcased her exceptional talent and earned her the Tamil Nadu State Film Award Special Prize in 2000.

• During an interview, R. Madhavan reminisced about his experiences working on the film Alai Payuthey (2000) and shared that Shalini had set certain conditions prior to the shoot. During that period, Shalini was already engaged to Ajith. Before the filming commenced, she requested Madhavan to exercise discretion during the romantic scenes.

• During her career, she has been featured in over 90 films, including more than 75 as a child artist in various South Indian languages and 13 as an actress.

• was her last film, which was released after her marriage.

• It is intriguing to note that she had to delay her wedding in order to work on Piriyadha Varam Vendum, the Tamil adaptation of the Malayalam movie Niram (1999). Evidently, she had made a commitment to director Kamal that if Niram achieved success, she would star in the Tamil rendition of the film.

• After getting married, she and her husband took up badminton as a hobby. Over time, she honed her skills and became a proficient player. Eventually, she decided to pursue professional coaching in the sport and entered a few state-level tournaments. Throughout her journey, she received guidance and training from her state-level coach, Maran.

• Despite Ajith and Shalini coming from different religious backgrounds, their love was never affected by it. In fact, they both practice their own religions and teach their children about both faiths. In an interview, Ajith mentioned that Shalini is a Protestant Christian while his father is a Brahmin from Palghat, but neither of them has any intention to convert to the other’s religion. They have made a mutual agreement to respect each other’s religious practices and beliefs without imposing their own views. When they have children in the future, their plan is to educate them about various religions, including Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. Ultimately, they want their children to choose the religion that resonates with them as they grow into adults. The most important aspect here is the deep and loving connection between Shalini and Ajith. Their compatibility and affection for each other are what truly matter.
• Ajith and Shalini have a shared dislike for eating chocolates.