Immediately after graduation, she entered the acting department Russian Academy of Theatre Arts in the workshop of Joseph Raihelgauz.

Mariya Shalaeva starred in over a dozen films and television series, including the films The Freshman, Masha, Mermaid, Nirvana.

The leading role in Mermaid brought her many awards and nominations… In 2004 the actress met film director Sergei Tkachev on a plane to Paris.

He was captivated by her beauty and in a week wrote a screenplay special for her.

In 2008, the film became a Russian contender for an Academy Award.