Guliyeva Shalala Shahvalad gizi was born on 23 January 1977 in the city of Mingachevir. In 1995 she enrolled in the drama and film acting faculty of the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts. While still a student, her acting teacher and course leader, Azar Pasha Nematov, cast her in the Azerbaijan Academic National Drama Theatre's production of the satirical comedy "Ah, Paris…Paris!.." by writer and playwright Elchin. In 1996 she became an actress of the Academic Theatre. From that year on, Shalala Shahvaladgizi began playing roles suited to her age and stage abilities. In 1999 she completed her university studies. She has performed in a wide range of roles in both dramatic and comedic productions. In 2004 she was awarded the prize for "Best Actress of the Year" by the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Tourism. In 2011 she graduated from the higher acting course of the International Theatre School in Moscow. On 9 May 2012 she was awarded the honorary title of Honoured Artist of the Republic of Azerbaijan. She was awarded the Presidential Prize on 1 May 2017, 9 May 2018, 10 May 2019, 7 May 2021, 10 May 2022, and 6 May 2023. Her father, Shahvalad Guliyev, was one of the first founders of the city of Mingachevir.
