You may (or may not) have seen Shalini Passi on Netflilx’s Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives, but ever since the show dropped late last year, the art and design “collector, advisor, patron, artist, and philanthropist” has been the talk of the town, stealing the spotlight at every event she attends. Most recently, she turned heads at the Festival de Cannes 2025, where she walked the red carpet in an exquisite Manish Malhotra creation inspired by artist Paresh Maity’s visual artistic interpretation of India’s Longitude 77 – from North to South.
In an exclusive interaction with indianexpress.com, Shalini Passi opened up about her experience at Cannes, her journey, how life has changed post-Netflix, her lifestyle, diet, and much more. Read edited excerpts below:
Q. You’ve been a part of Delhi’s social circuit for years. Yet, Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives is considered your “breakout moment”. What was the intention behind saying yes to the show – to become more visible?
Shalini Passi: I wanted to do a travel show and art show. During the pandemic, I travelled extensively across India – Leh, Ladakh, Mahabalipuram, Jodhpur – capturing the architecture, culture, and local stories through film and photography. But when I pitched the idea to various networks, I was told there wasn’t a big enough audience for that kind of content.
Around the same time, this opportunity came through Dharma Productions. Karan (Johar) and I spoke, and I thought — they’re shooting in Delhi, it’s a new format, and I’ve always embraced new experiences. Fabulous Lives was very different from anything I had done before.
Q. With everything about you—your interests, skills, lifestyle—becoming the talk of the town, how have you been coping with the sudden spotlight? Has it impacted your peace of mind, and how do you handle the constant buzz around you?
Shalini Passi: To be honest, even before I was in the limelight, I was always doing a lot because I have a wide range of interests. Whether it was curating a show for FDCI titled Fashion Meets Art, or collaborating with MASH on art exhibitions, I’ve always lived a fairly hectic and creatively driven life. I enjoy structure and thrive on being immersed in things that excite me.
The limelight means people now see what I’ve always been doing behind the scenes. But for me, not much has changed internally. I’m pretty much the same person whether it’s public or private.
Q. How has life been post the show for you?
Shalini Passi: It’s been a bit hectic. I had initially planned to take a vacation after the show, but the overwhelming love and affection I’ve received completely changed that. People have reached out, writing entire paragraphs about how my journey has inspired them. That kind of impact has been profoundly moving and humbling.
I’ve also really enjoyed the renewed interaction with the media and the chance to speak at various events across the country, from Hyderabad to Chennai to Kolkata, sometimes visiting the same city multiple times. Most recent invite was at the Cannes Film Festival to launch Longitude 77 Collector’s Edition at the official Indian Pavilion.
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Q. Tell us about your outfit for the India Pavilion at the Cannes Film Festival.
Shalini Passi: The outfit is truly special. It’s inspired by the incredible artwork of Paresh Maity, representing the meridian Longitude 77, which spans the length of India from the Himalayas to Kanyakumari. The legendary designer Manish Malhotra brought it to life. It’s art in motion.
We’ve all been looking forward to this collaboration, which beautifully merges three worlds: Indian art, Indian fashion, and the indomitable Indian spirit. Wearing this piece feels like stepping into a living canvas. It’s a proud moment not just for me but for all of us to present such a powerful expression of our culture on a global stage like Cannes. For me, it’s about taking India to the world through our stories, creativity, and heritage.
Shalini Passi on the Cannes red carpet. (Photo: PR handout)
Q. What does fashion mean to you, and the dos and don’ts you follow when curating a look for yourself?
Shalini Passi: For me, fashion is an expression of myself. It reflects who I am, what I believe in, and what brings me joy. Right now, I’m in a maximalist phase – I’m enjoying bold choices, vibrant elements, and pieces that tell a story.
As for the dos and don’ts, I always try to respect the context. Dressing appropriately for the occasion is essential. Understanding the culture of the country I’m in, the people I’m with, and the tone of the event. Sensitivity and awareness are key. Comfort is also a big priority. If I’m not comfortable, I won’t feel confident. And lastly, I try to make ethical choices wherever possible. Fashion should be mindful as well as expressive.
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Q. Your dedication to healthy living is inspiring. What does your diet and fitness routine look like?
Shalini Passi: I’m very regimented by nature. I like structure and discipline in my daily life. I follow a raw food diet until 6 PM, which keeps my energy levels high and digestion light. Fitness is a non-negotiable part of my routine. I work out for about two hours a day, usually a mix of dance for an hour and Pilates for another. I sleep on time, avoid alcohol and cigarettes, and make it a point to eat clean and consciously.
Skincare is another important part of my wellness routine. I truly believe in taking care of myself from the inside out.
Q. You’ve said that you most relate to Seema Sajdeh, your co-star from the Netflix show. Are you in regular touch with her? Would you really call her a “friend”?
Shalini Passi: Yes, I’m very fond of Seema. She’s such a fun person, and I enjoy chatting with her. In fact, I do meet the four of them whenever I’m in Bombay and our schedules align. That said, ever since the release of the show, my time has been incredibly limited. I’ve been working non-stop, and while I haven’t had much of a social life lately, I’m really enjoying the pace and everything that’s unfolding.
Q. Can we expect more of you on the screen this year?
Shalini Passi: Hopefully. I’m also looking forward to seeing myself on the screen.
Q. One lifestyle habit you wish to pass on to your fans, and why?
Shalini Passi: One habit I truly swear by is incorporating turmeric into your daily routine. It’s incredibly powerful, great for metabolism, healing, and overall wellness. It’s such a simple addition, but it makes a big difference.
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Q. Your skin and hair care secrets? How do you manage to take care of them?
Shalini Passi: For me, consistency is key. People try hacks for ten days and expect results, but with the body, especially when it comes to skin and hair, real change takes at least three months. You have to be patient and committed.
When it comes to hair care, I keep it very simple and natural. I rarely style my hair – I don’t colour it, and I try to limit the use of heat as much as possible. That’s also because I donate my hair to Tirupati, so I like to keep it healthy and untreated. You’ll often see my hair tied up, and that’s intentional.
One thing I absolutely swear by is regular oiling. I have very curly hair, and I truly believe oiling has preserved its health and texture over the years. It’s an old-school habit, but one that works.
Q. While you have shared many things about yourself, what do you think makes you, you?
Shalini Passi: That’s a great question. Honestly, I often look to others for insight into who I truly am, because sometimes people see things about us more clearly than we see ourselves. We tend to rationalise our actions and thoughts, but others can reflect a more actual image. If I had to describe what makes me, I’d say it’s a blend of discipline and spontaneity.
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I’m very regimented and love planning, but I’m equally comfortable letting go and going with the flow when things don’t go as expected. I embrace both structure and freedom, and that balance keeps me grounded. I also firmly believe that everything happens for a reason, guided by a higher power. Life is a continuous learning process – there’s no failure or victory, just lessons along the way. That mindset, I think, truly shapes who I am.