Shalini Passi’s Vision Redefining Glamour & Influence for the Next Generation. The evening at The Leela, Hyderabad, was not just a gathering but a celebration of creativity, resilience, and purpose.
The Young FICCI Ladies Organisation (YFLO) hosted an enlightening power talk titled Redefining Glamour & Influence: A Power Talk for the Next Generation at The Leela, Hyderabad. The event featured Shalini Passi, an esteemed art patron, collector, and philanthropist, who shared her insights on influence, beauty, and artistic expression.
YFLO Chairperson Ms. Ridhi Jain set the tone for the evening with her opening remarks, celebrating Passi as a trailblazer who redefines influence. “Shalini Passi is a woman who doesn’t just embrace influence; she redefines it. She doesn’t follow the rules, she creates them. True influence isn’t about status or glamour; it’s about impact—shaping conversations and driving change. Shalini has done just that—melding creativity with purpose, artistry with advocacy, and luxury with legacy. She is proof that when passion meets vision, boundaries dissolve, and possibilities expand.” She quoted W.E.B. Du Bois, saying, “There is no force more powerful than a woman determined to rise.”
Glamour, Beauty, and Influence
Passi challenged conventional notions of beauty, emphasizing that it extends beyond curated social media aesthetics. “Beauty is not just what you see and come across on Instagram; there is beauty in everything and everybody. Look at your grandparents, your mother, your mother-in-law—they all are women of substance. They have age, experience wisdom and beauty behind them. You must see beauty in all and not just on social media sites.
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She also provided personal insights into life and self-care, sharing that “glamour is about being fabulous in your own skin. Be comfortable with whatever you wear. A lot goes into being glamorous.” She revealed that her traditional upbringing shaped her disciplined lifestyle, stating, “I gave up the joy of eating tasty food and I barely watch TV. Being slim is not my motive; it comes naturally. Being fit comes from wanting to be healthy.”
Artistic Passion and Vision
Passi’s love for art was sparked by a small yet significant event in her life, leading her to become a devoted art patron and collector. She has curated what could be considered a private museum for modern Indian art, housing an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts. Her collection includes works from renowned Indian artists like M.F. Husain, Manjit Bawa, Bharti Kher, Anita Dube, Atul Dodiya, and Ram Kumar, as well as international names like Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst. Her interest extends beyond paintings, encompassing furniture, tapestries, and rare antiques.
Photography is another passion of Passi’s. “I take a lot of photographs as a way to document architecture and cultural heritage,” she shared. She considers Banaras her favorite city, calling it “a photographer’s paradise” and “a magical city.”
Passi also expressed admiration for Rome as the “most artistic city” and the center of artistic activity. She highlighted how celebrated painters, sculptors, and architects have contributed to Rome’s enduring artistic legacy. Among her prized possessions is a painting created by her son, which she keeps at her bedside.
Empowering the Next Generation
When asked to share advice for young girls, Passi emphasized the importance of resilience and focus. “No one bothers about your struggle. They see the outcome. Be your best version. Give your best. Focus on life goals. Do not worry about people who keep commenting. No train stops at the barking; it keeps moving. Add value to life and society,” she advised.
Passi also touched upon personal wisdom regarding problem-solving and emotional management. “We all love our parents. Your mother is your friend. That doesn’t mean you need to share everything with them, especially your problems. Somehow, you will solve your problem, but your mom remains worried about it,” she shared, offering a perspective on handling difficulties in life.
A Legacy of Art and Influence
As the founder of the Shalini Passi Art Foundation & MASH, Passi remains committed to fostering contemporary art, design, and fashion. Her foundation actively supports emerging artists and promotes arts education through year-round initiatives. Her keen eye for aesthetics and her ability to blend tradition with modernity have established her as a transformative force in India’s creative landscape. She is frequently invited to speak at prominent art and design forums globally.
Passi’s vision extends beyond traditional influence; she aims to leave a lasting legacy of art, advocacy, and meaningful change. Whether through her expansive art collection, her philanthropic efforts, or her powerful words of wisdom, she continues to inspire the next generation to redefine glamour and influence in their own terms.
