Hyderabad, February 28, 2025: YFLO (Young FICCI Ladies Organisation) organized a power talk, ‘Redefining Glamor & Influence—A Power Talk for the Next Generation,’ featuring Shalini Passi, a visionary art patron, collector, and philanthropist. The talk was held at The Leela, Hyderabad, on Thursday evening.
Ms Ridhi Jain, Chairperson of YFLO, giving opening remarks said, “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, about 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.”
Quoting WEB Du Bois, Ridhi Jain reflected, “There is no force more powerful than a woman determined to rise” she added. “I have always been inspired by women who don’t just follow the path but carve new ones. Today, influence is not just about glamour—it’s about purpose, innovation, and legacy. And Shalini Passi exemplifies this shift.”
Beauty is not what you see and come across on Instagram; There is beauty in everything and everybody, Shalini Passi said in her interaction. Look at your grandparents, your mother, 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.
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 your problem, Shalini shared the secret to handling problems in life.
Glamor to me is being fabulous in your skin. Be comfortable with whatever you wear. A lot needs to be worked behind being the glamorous, she said.
I had a traditional upbringing. I gave up the joy of eating tasty food. I barely watch TV. Being slim is not my motive, it comes naturally. Being fit comes out of wanting to be healthy, she shared the secret behind her fitness and personality.
I am a simple human being with just an ordinary life with extraordinary thoughts. I have a humble background. The motto I live by is Practice makes perfect. I got married at the age of 20. Skincare is very important to me. Skincare is a daily affair, she said
I always wanted to do things beautifully, elegantly and in a blissful manner, she shared. Swans are beautiful birds. They are important for aquatic ecosystems and are also symbolic of beauty, love, and spiritual grace. They are calm and composed, paddling inside the water with the current. We need to be just like them.
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My love for art just happened with one small incident in life. And since then, I have been an art patron and collector, she shared.
Shalini Passi is interested in photography as well. I take a lot of photographs, as a way to document architecture and cultural heritage. She said that photography is a subjective art form, where each picture has its own life. I like Banaras. It is my favorite city. It is a photographer’s paradise. It is the most beautiful city. It is a magical city. I visit it very often, she shared.
Shalini curated what could be termed as a private museum for modern Indian art. She has a huge collection of paintings, sculptures and whatnot. Speaking about art, replying to a question, Shalini said Rome is the most artistic city. Rome is a very old city. Famous artists, painters, sculptors, and architects made Rome what it is today, the center for artistic activity, creating many wonderful masterpieces throughout the city.
My proud possession of an artwork is one of the paintings painted by my son which I keep at my bedside, she shared.
The iconic image of Monroe’s billowing skirt solidified her status as Hollywood’s greatest actor. Shalini wants to own one dress as a historical thing.
When asked to advise young girls, she said, no one bothers about your struggle. They see the outcome. Be your good 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 told them.
Shalini Passi is the founder of the Shalini Passi Art Foundation & MASH, a platform dedicated to fostering contemporary art, design, and fashion. Her keen eye for aesthetics and her commitment to blending tradition with modernity have positioned her as a transformative force in India’s creative landscape.
Her collection includes works from some of the most coveted names in contemporary and modern art, including Bharti Kher, Anita Dube, Zarina Hashmi, Atul Dodiya, MF Husain, Manjit Bawa, and Ram Kumar, alongside international artists such as Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst. Beyond paintings, her collection extends to furniture, tapestries, and rare antiques, juxtaposed with cutting-edge contemporary design.
As a patron, she actively supports emerging artists and fosters arts education through her Foundation’s year-round initiatives. She is a sought-after speaker at leading art and design forums globally.