Ever since socialite, social worker and art patron Shalini Pasi came forward fabulous life vs bollywood wives On Netflix in 2024, she has become a social media sensation – celebrated for her carefree attitude and maximalist sartorial choices. His sharp one-liners like “I like things more than people” and “I don’t hold a grudge, it affects my skin” quickly went viral, with many appreciating his candor.
But what looks effortless on screen takes time. Shalini admits that she didn’t just wake up one day feeling immune to outside noise. Over the years, she realized that the opinions that bothered her the most were often about things she couldn’t control anyway. “That’s when I kept coming back to integrity, consistency between my values and my actions,” she says. “If I’m intentional about my work, my collaborations, the causes I support — that becomes my foundation. When the external narrative changes, as it always does, I’m less affected by it.”
She says that this kind of inner work behind the glamor is rarely seen. Her turn to writing came when young women began reaching out to her wanting to talk about confidence, pressure and expectations. “I realized that the experiences I’ve been through—the fragile experiences and the empowerment—might actually be worth sharing. Like this the art of being fabulous It came alive,” she says of her first book, published by Penguin Random House India, which focuses on mindful living and personal growth.
Shalini Pasi and Shashi Tharoor Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
At the unveiling of her memoir at The Leela Palace in New Delhi, Shalini – wearing a custom sari from designer Ashdin Lilaowala’s print series – was both nervous and excited. She was also joined by politician and author Shashi Tharoor, who talked about the sensitivity she brings to her work. She added, “She reminds us that art can be present in the way we arrange a room, the way we interact, or even how we choose colors and peace.” “That’s all art.”
Deeply associated with the art world, Shalini says that art has changed the way she thinks about beauty. She once saw it as something relaxing – but over time, she’s come to see how it can also challenge and unsettle. “Spending time with artists, understanding how they think and what risks they are willing to take, has changed my perspective on my own life,” she says. “There’s an emotional courage to the creative process that I really admire. It’s made me value long-term vision, experimentation, and emotional honesty.”
She believes readers may be surprised by how little the book is actually about glamour, and how much it is about discipline, honesty and conscious choices. “Living beautifully is rarely in the spotlight,” she explains. “It shows up in our daily habits, our relationships and the way we treat ourselves.”
Shalini Pasi Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Of all the ideas she explores, the hardest one for her is learning to slow down. What seems simple often ends up feeling like nothing at all. “I kept asking myself what I was really accomplishing by staying busy,” she admits. “Some of my clearest decisions and most honest creative insights came when I allowed myself to pause. I don’t think I’ll ever fully master it, and I’m okay with that.”
At the same time, she also takes care that the vulnerability itself does not become victimized. She shares personal moments only when they provide strength or perspective. “True empowerment lies in recognizing that uncertainty, self-doubt and reinvention are not weaknesses; they are part of growth,” she reflects.
the art of being fabulous
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Ultimately, she hopes readers will finish the book feeling more comfortable with who they are becoming, rather than who they think they should become. If there’s one idea she wants to eliminate, it’s the belief that there is a formula for beauty, success or living a life well. “There isn’t one. And the sooner you come to terms with that, the sooner you can start creating something that’s truly, completely yours,” she advises.
Beyond the book, Shalini is exploring curatorial and collaborative projects that bring contemporary Indian artists into conversation with international platforms. She is also developing visual and editorial initiatives that aim to promote rich storytelling around culture, identity and creative practice. “For me, the next step is to create space for meaningful exchange between art, design and lived experience,” she says. “This is an exciting and developing chapter.”
published – February 23, 2026 06:52 PM IST