“The government must make strict guidelines for CSR funding,” says Shalini Passi, a philanthropist and artist, popularly remembered for the Netflix reality series Fabulous Lives vs. Bollywood Wives. She released her debut book titled The Art of Being Fabulous at the Jaipur Literature Festival on Thursday morning. In an exclusive conversation with The CSR Journal, Shalini spoke about her philanthropy work, her book, and her purpose in life.
For Shalini, the idea of giving back to society is more than charity—it gives her joy and a deeper purpose in life. Her philanthropic journey did not begin with success, privilege, or social position; rather, it started at a very early age. “My journey started when I was in standard six. I made a big painting and donated it. The joy it gave me was unforgettable,” she recalls.
What began as a school project soon turned into a lifelong purpose. Shalini has long been associated with philanthropic work. She recalls several occasions when she and her husband extended support—during the devastating floods in Jammu & Kashmir and later during the COVID-19 pandemic. “It gave me a higher reason for living,” she says. “That feeling stays with you.”
Purpose Beyond Privilege
Shalini belongs to what is often described as “high society,” where privilege comes with responsibility. Speaking about CSR activities today, she says, “People talk about CSR, and yes, many big companies do contribute diligently. But often, CSR becomes about pet projects or optics. It should be more meaningful.”
She believes the government has a larger role to play. “There should be stricter guidelines. CSR funds should be monitored better and allocated towards real needs such as village development, hospitals, and education.”
Operating outside the corporate framework, she shares that she and her husband have been donating for years, often without disclosure. “For a long time, we never spoke about it,” she says. “But recently, people suggested that I should speak so others feel inspired. That’s when I started talking about our charity work publicly.”
Giving Runs in the Family
For Shalini, philanthropy is the purpose of her life—and it runs in her family. They believe in doing good without propagating it. “My husband believes in gupt daan—giving without announcement or acknowledgment,” she notes. “He inspires through silence,” she smiles. “I, on the other hand, have started speaking out—not for attention, but to inspire others.”
The art of healing
Art is an integral part of Shalini’s being. The word Fabulous was made popular through the series she was part of and became the inspiration behind the title of her book, The Art of Being Fabulous. When she first decided to write her book, it wasn’t a calculated move. “I’m not a writer,” she admits candidly. “So, I was sceptical when I started.” She began writing a year ago without making any announcement. Encouraged by positive feedback from publishers and authors—who described it as an easy and relatable read—she finally decided to send it for print.
Talking about the book, Shalini shares that it is a celebration of living beautifully and with dignity. It blends soulful philosophy with art, fashion, and spiritual wisdom, structured around ten rules for living life on one’s own terms. “When you read this book, you will connect. There are many emotions, and there will be moments when you feel the story is yours,” she says. “It’s an easy read, but full of incidents that make you emotional, happy, and reflective.”
At JLF, Shalini Passi launched The Art of Being Fabulous, urged stricter CSR norms, and spoke on purpose-driven philanthropy and dignified living.
