Meenakshi made her Telugu film debut with "Brahmarishi Vishwamitra" in 1991. In 1992, she appeared in the Telugu film "Aapadbandhavudu" opposite Chiranjeevi. In 1992 her film "Aaj Ka Goonda Raaj" opposite Chiranjeevi was a hit. In 1993, she appeared in the film "Damini – Lightning". Directed by filmmaker Rajkumar Santoshi, it also starred Rishi Kapoor, Sunny Deol, Amrish Puri, Tinnu Anand, and Paresh Rawal. The film depicted the sensitive subject of injustice towards a rape victim. She won many accolades for her performance in the film. "Damini" received a number of awards, including a National Film Award and a Filmfare Award nomination. "Damini" is regarded as Meenakshi's career-defining role. She performed a Tandav dance in the film, choreographed by Ravindra Atibudhi.