"Jealousy and competitiveness are very negative energies. That's not good for my sleep; that’s not good for my health." Quotes such as these by Shalini Passi on Netflix's Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives, has made her an internet sensation. These one liners have a separate fanbase, that has inspired meme fest online. Shalini’s unapologetic self-confidence have since made her the breakout star of the show, with viewers calling her the most relatable cast member.
In an exclusive interview with Times Now, Shalini opens up about her guiding mantras, her fearless sense of style, and her passion for art.
Another personal philosophy, of hers, "The only reason I don't hold grudges against other people is because it affects my skin," has gained viral fandom. She explains, "It’s actually scientifically proven—holding onto negative thoughts creates acidity in the body, which messes with different organs, stresses the heart, the liver, and yes, it eventually shows up on the skin. We’re all energy bodies, after all."
Shalini even applies this outlook to her fashion choices. “When you change your clothes, you change your energy,” she says. “If you’re wearing something flowy, it changes how you move. If it’s a structured jacket, you sit differently. And colours really do affect us — each one has its own impact on the mind.”
Since the show aired, Shalini has turned into an inspiration for young women who love such advice. Scroll down to any comment section featuring her, and you will see it all in the comments. So what is her advice for them? “I’d say, follow your dreams, follow your heart. Be confident in what you do, be comfortable in your own skin. Just being a woman is a superpower on its own, and we all need to own that.” Reflecting on the love she’s received, she adds, “I’m so grateful for all the support—it’s given me confidence. I want women to lift each other up; this should be a movement. We’re stronger together. So, yes, here’s to girl power!”
Popular for her fearless fashion, Shalini describes herself as a maximalist who loves bold, unique pieces. Well, that's a Delhi girl for you. “On the show, we had amazing stylists, but normally, I don’t follow trends too closely. I buy what I like. I’m drawn to certain colours, fits, and prints.” Her favourite Indian designers include Gaurav Gupta, Manish Malhotra, Rohit Bal, Rohit Gandhi, Rahul Khanna, and Abu Sandeep. Internationally, she loves Dolce & Gabbana and Alexander McQueen.
Art is another major part of Shalini’s life, and she’s both an artist and collector. She is the founder of MASH, a digital platform that explores the intersection of architecture, art, craft, design, and fashion in an accessible and engaging format. She has also founded the Shalini Passi Art Foundation.
“I always wanted to be an artist or an architect,” she says. “That didn’t happen in the traditional way, but I’ve kept up with my art and photography. Art is therapeutic for me—it gives me purpose, and I love being surrounded by it.”
And as for whether her life is as fabulous as it looks? “Life is as fabulous as you make it. I’m always moving from project to project, having fun along the way. So yes, I’d say it is fabulous!”