On Sunday evening in Chanakyapuri, Delhi’s cultural and social circles gathered at The Terrace at The Leela Palace for the launch of Shalini Passi’s debut book, The Art of Being Fabulous.
Since appearing on Netflix’s Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives, Passi has built a reputation for unapologetic individuality. Her witty remarks went viral, and her fashion choices sparked conversations. But The Art of Being Fabulous, published by Penguin Random House India, tries to shift the focus inward.
The memoir focuses less on fashion and more on philosophy. Passi writes about vulnerability, reinvention, discipline, and the courage to slow down. She reflects on learning to stay true to herself by aligning her actions with her values, especially in a world that’s always judging.
At the launch, she briefly talked about how the book came to be. At first, she was hesitant to write, admitting she thought her English couldn’t match Tharoor’s famously rich vocabulary. But encouragement from her literary agent and growing interest from young women looking for advice on confidence and self-worth pushed her to become an author.
The result is a book that invites readers to rethink what “fabulous” really means — not extravagance, but living with intention.
The venue, beautifully arranged with a high tea spread and a stage overlooking Delhi’s skyline, matched the style for which Passi is known. She arrived wearing a custom saree from designer Ashdeen Lilaowala’s print series, quickly attracting photographers and fans into a close circle.
The event began later than scheduled, but once Tharoor arrived, he ceremonially unveiled the book and delivered a thoughtful address. In his remarks, he described Passi’s offering as more than a lifestyle guide, rather, a perceptive exploration of how we pay attention to life.
“She offers a way of seeing,” he noted, summarising the book’s central proposition: that art is not confined to galleries, but can exist in how we arrange a room, hold a conversation, or choose stillness over noise.
The audience expected a back-and-forth between the two authors — mixing Tharoor’s political-literary precision with Passi’s honest introspection. Instead, the formal part ended soon after his speech, quickly moving to a vote of thanks and the start of the evening’s refreshments.
In a way, the short format felt symbolic. The Art of Being Fabulous isn’t about showiness; it’s about what’s underneath. The book’s message that beauty grows quietly through daily habits, emotional honesty, and thoughtful choices stood out against the lively social buzz of the launch.
For Passi, this book marks a shift from reality TV personality to thoughtful author. She has said she wants readers to finish the book feeling more at ease with who they’re becoming, not who they think they should be.
The Delhi launch may have been more about celebration than conversation, but it marked the start of a new chapter in her public journey, one that goes beyond viral quotes and moves into thoughtful storytelling.
In the end, The Art of Being Fabulous presents itself not as a guide to glamour, but as an invitation to live with intention. Judging by the crowd at The Leela Palace, many are curious about what that really means.