Shalini Passi isn’t the face of Delhi women; she’s the queen of the ‘natty’ tribe.
You know the type: always dripping in labels.
Shalini is making waves on social media, as one of the breakout stars in the Netflix show Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives, debuting alongside Kalyani Saha Chawla and Riddhima Kapoor Sahni.
While the OG wives—Maheep Kapoor, Bhavana Pandey, Neelam Kothari Soni, and Seema Sajdeh—brought their usual spark, Shalini was a package: hilarious one-liners, over-the-top fashion, and a bold presence that stole the show. In the perpetual entertainment rivalry between Delhi and Mumbai, Shalini firmly planted the flag for Delhi.
Shalini isn’t one of them
Married to businessman Sanjay Passi since the late 90s, she lives in a 20,000-square-foot home in Delhi’s Golf Links.
Shalini isn’t just a personality, she’s a phenomenon. Living in what’s practically a museum, she’s an art collector/connoisseur, and a lover of bold, flashy gowns. But Shalini doesn’t stop there—she’s an artist who sings, paints, dances, and is also a certified scuba diver.
I wonder if I ever came across such a talent in Delhi’s social circle—which, in general, is fixated on partying till 4 in the morning, lunching at cute cafes, and taking a stroll to the salon.
Not that I look down upon this culture. It’s fancy, it’s elite and glamorous, but I am happy to be a spectator.
That said, Shalini isn’t one of them. She doesn’t drink. Her parties don’t include clubbing, instead they are a rip-off of Met Gala. Her diet is deprived of chole bhature, and consists mainly of raw food.
During the Karwa Chauth episode, she brought homemade soup in a thermos to break her fast. And, not one but four kinds. Her kitchen staff follows her precise instructions, ensuring every meal aligns with her strict diet preferences. That’s so not Delhi.
Additionally, Shalini takes art and fashion seriously, not just for Instagram views, but for herself—it’s a way of living.
Delhi women are known to be OTT, but rocking a gown to a casual lunch or into an ocean—that’s pure Shalini.
She’s the undisputed queen of that exclusive style cult where every gathering—be it a coffee catch-up or a low-key lunch—deserves a red carpet entrance. Her vibe is about delivering jaw-dropping, unapologetic fashion moments, no matter the location, or occasion.
And, this category transcends city borders.
Mumbai has its own version with Natasha Poonawalla—rich, glossy, and flaunting wealth like it’s a personality trait.
If Shalini’s teddy bear, rabbit or diamond-encrusted phone case were a bit too much, brace yourself for Poonawalla’s handbag game—it’s next level. She’s turned just about anything into a purse: an airplane, a bottle, a watch, even a mini dollhouse. Nothing’s safe from her creative clutches.
Now, while the elite fashion connoisseurs across Delhi and Mumbai might share a similar taste for the eccentric, let’s be real—the general crowd isn’t ready to dive this deep into the pool of high-octane quirk.
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Battle of fashion
Shalini may have tipped the entertainment scale with her personality, and not her wardrobe, but let’s be honest, the crown for fashion dominance belongs to Mumbai.
Maybe, it’s my personal fondness for less bling and more style.
Delhi is all about a polished, perfectly posed aesthetic—which at times seems ‘trying too hard’—while Mumbai leans into that ‘I-woke-up-like-this’ culture, though it might have taken them hours to get there.
It’s surprising how Mumbai has the lion’s share of the ultra-wealthy, but it is Delhi that practically worships the art of conspicuous consumption. From lavish weddings to showing off their Michael Kors and Louis Vuitton, Delhiites are never shy about flashing their cards.
Meanwhile, Mumbaikers keep the brand game subtle and at times, hidden.
When it comes to beauty and style, Delhi is fond of beachy hair, red lips, bodycon dresses, and during weddings—Sabyasachi lehengas.
While Mumbai is more cool, casual, and a lot more experimental.
Even on the show, I found myself gravitating toward Seema and Maheep’s chic style, rather than Shalini’s excessive bling—from head to toe.
And, I would pick an oversized shirt styled with belt and boots or denim with an off-shoulder top over Delhi’s manicured perfection.
Shalini won this season of the show. Not because she was an authentic Delhiite, but because she was authentic entertainment.
Views are personal.
(Edited by Aamaan Alam Khan)