Latest news with #FabulousLives
News18
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News18
Fabulous Lives' Shalini Passi, Maheep, Seema Cheer For Shanaya Kapoor's Debut: ‘You Ate'
The special screening of Shanaya Kapoor's debut film Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan brought the Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives gang back together for a dazzling reunion! Shanaya Kapoor and Vikrant Massey starrer 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan' has released in theatres today! Ahead of the film's release, the makers hosted a special screening of the film which was attended by celebs such as Ibrahim Ali Khan, Arjun Kapoor, Tabu, Rasha Thadani, Chunky Panday, and many others. The event also brought together Fabulous Lives Vs Bollywood Wives stars Shalini Passi, Bhavana Pandey, Neelam Kothari, and Seema Sajdeh – all of whom turned up to support Maheep Kapoor's daughter Shanaya's Bollywood debut! Seema Sajdeh has shared a series of photos and video clips from the star-studded screening of Shanaya's debut film 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan'. The first picture features her posing alongside Shanaya. Meanwhile, Fabulous Lives stars Shalini Passi, Neelam Kothari, Maheep Kapoor, Bhavana Pandey, and Seema reunited for a beautiful group photo, radiating glamour! Another candid shot captured them mid-laughter, sharing a light-hearted moment that perfectly reflected their bond. One fun video shows Neelam and Shalini showing off Seema's fan-shaped handbag, saying they are all 'fans'. In her caption, Seema wrote, 'Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan Shanaya you've come a long way baby girl , we are all sooo proud of you and I think the pics are self explanatory: how happy are we @shanayakapoor02 You ATE!" Check out the post below! Shanaya Kapoor reacted to the post, and wrote, 'Love u!!!" along with a red heart emoji. Many fans were delighted to see the Fabulous Lives reunion! 'This is perfect.. don't add others in Bollywood wife. best 5 ," wrote one netizen, while another one commented, 'Shalini is a sweetheart." About Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan In Aankhon Ki Gustaakhiyan, Shanaya Kapoor portrays the role of a theatre artist while Vikrant Massey is seen as a blind musician. Directed by Santosh Singh, the film is based on Ruskin Bond's short story titled The Eyes Have It. Produced by Zee Studios, Mini Films and Open Window Films, the film is clashing at the box office with Rajkummar Rao and Manushi Chhillar's gangster drama, Maalik. Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Mint
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
‘Trash TV' takes off as audiences crave a peek into celebrity lives
Video streaming platforms are increasingly seeing returns from the specific sub-genre of reality shows that provide a sneak peek into celebrity lives and offer a sense of vicarious joy to audiences sitting at home. Titles like The Traitors (Prime Video) and Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives (Netflix) that build on the legacy of shows such as Bigg Boss (JioHotstar) are specially designed to peep into the lives of the rich and famous and invite much criticism and trolling online, often even labelled as 'trash TV'. However, industry experts say their charm and business appeal among audiences who crave high-end drama are unmistakable. According to media consulting firm Ormax, The Traitors, a reality show hosted by Karan Johar where a group of chosen traitors try to deceive the faithfuls and sabotage their efforts to win, was the third most watched OTT original series in the week of June 16-22, with a viewership of 4.2 million. The third season of Bigg Boss was the most-watched Indian unscripted show across streaming platforms in 2024, with a viewership of 17.8 million. 'These shows are usually built around one key insight: spectacle sells. The concept doesn't always chase critical acclaim - it chases eyeballs, engagement, and virality. Whether it's the drama of Bigg Boss, the glamour-turned-chaos of Fabulous Lives, or the backstabbing thrill of The Traitors, these shows are designed to be addictive, meme-worthy, and endlessly discussed online," Neelesh Pednekar, co-founder and head of digital media at Social Pill, a digital marketing agency said. All of these are extremely valuable from a business point of view, Pednekar added. Platforms need stickiness and social chatter, and this genre delivers both. The audience might hate-watch, binge, troll, or secretly enjoy it - but they're talking about it, reacting to it, and sharing clips across social media. That constant digital noise creates discoverability, which in turn helps justify ad spends, integrations, and subscriptions. Captivating audience Brijen Desai, associate vice-president, White Rivers Media, a digital marketing agency said reality shows like Bigg Boss, The Traitors, and Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives revolve around high-stakes social dynamics, unscripted conflict, and aspirational lifestyles that captivate audiences. Platforms invest in these formats because they consistently drive viewer engagement and extend watch time, creating reliable opportunities for advertising and brand partnerships. 'Their episodic nature, with regular twists and drama, ensures audiences return week after week, making them valuable content assets. These shows tap into curiosity, escapism, and fascination with human behaviour under pressure," Desai said. Despite criticism, the commercial appeal remains significant, with these shows securing prominent advertising budgets. They hold important positions in brand spend strategies, combining broad reach with chances for deeper audience connection. Monetisation is competitive but achievable due to their ability to engage diverse demographics. Other advantages come with the fact that these shows often feature celebrities or public figures, which gives them built-in reach. Pair that with low-to-mid production costs compared to fiction series, and streaming platforms have chanced upon a high-ROI content format. A streaming platform executive said the shows build on the aquarium syndrome, or the need to look at other people's lives, especially the rich and famous. This is a trend catching up even with rural India, who want to live vicariously by tracking the lives of urban folk via platforms like Instagram, the executive added. To be sure, entertainment industry experts point out these shows invite criticism because they're often perceived as lowbrow or manufactured, especially by audiences who value "serious" content. They're also easy targets for trolling because the drama can feel over-the-top, the conflicts sometimes appear contrived, and the people involved often play heightened versions of themselves. But the irony is that the criticism is part of the success formula. The trolling, hate-watching, and memes drive viewership. 'It's very clear that sensationalism sells. This clearly comes from the innate human nature to be voyeuristic. You feel like you're watching them (the celebrities) through a window or a peephole on a door. They don't really know that you're there, but you are watching their lives play out in front of you," said Sharat Kumar, director, Crazy Few Films, a commercial and film production company. Kumar added that these shows are at the top of the content funnel right now in an era where platforms and networks don't really know what works. Plus, they are easy to monetize as the 24-hour viewing of Bigg Boss proves. 'You get to see the extremities of where humans can go. There is no limit to language, no limit to actions or violence. All of this brings in a certain excitement, exhilaration and titillation," Kumar pointed out.
Indian Express
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Shalini Passi reveals a lifestyle habit she swears by: ‘It's incredibly powerful, great for metabolism, healing, and overall wellness'
You may (or may not) have seen Shalini Passi on Netflilx's Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives, but ever since the show dropped late last year, the art and design 'collector, advisor, patron, artist, and philanthropist' has been the talk of the town, stealing the spotlight at every event she attends. Most recently, she turned heads at the Festival de Cannes 2025, where she walked the red carpet in an exquisite Manish Malhotra creation inspired by artist Paresh Maity's visual artistic interpretation of India's Longitude 77 – from North to South. In an exclusive interaction with Shalini Passi opened up about her experience at Cannes, her journey, how life has changed post-Netflix, her lifestyle, diet, and much more. Read edited excerpts below: Shalini Passi: I wanted to do a travel show and art show. During the pandemic, I travelled extensively across India – Leh, Ladakh, Mahabalipuram, Jodhpur – capturing the architecture, culture, and local stories through film and photography. But when I pitched the idea to various networks, I was told there wasn't a big enough audience for that kind of content. Around the same time, this opportunity came through Dharma Productions. Karan (Johar) and I spoke, and I thought — they're shooting in Delhi, it's a new format, and I've always embraced new experiences. Fabulous Lives was very different from anything I had done before. Shalini Passi: To be honest, even before I was in the limelight, I was always doing a lot because I have a wide range of interests. Whether it was curating a show for FDCI titled Fashion Meets Art, or collaborating with MASH on art exhibitions, I've always lived a fairly hectic and creatively driven life. I enjoy structure and thrive on being immersed in things that excite me. The limelight means people now see what I've always been doing behind the scenes. But for me, not much has changed internally. I'm pretty much the same person whether it's public or private. A post shared by Shalini Passi (@ Shalini Passi: It's been a bit hectic. I had initially planned to take a vacation after the show, but the overwhelming love and affection I've received completely changed that. People have reached out, writing entire paragraphs about how my journey has inspired them. That kind of impact has been profoundly moving and humbling. I've also really enjoyed the renewed interaction with the media and the chance to speak at various events across the country, from Hyderabad to Chennai to Kolkata, sometimes visiting the same city multiple times. Most recent invite was at the Cannes Film Festival to launch Longitude 77 Collector's Edition at the official Indian Pavilion. Shalini Passi: The outfit is truly special. It's inspired by the incredible artwork of Paresh Maity, representing the meridian Longitude 77, which spans the length of India from the Himalayas to Kanyakumari. The legendary designer Manish Malhotra brought it to life. It's art in motion. We've all been looking forward to this collaboration, which beautifully merges three worlds: Indian art, Indian fashion, and the indomitable Indian spirit. Wearing this piece feels like stepping into a living canvas. It's a proud moment not just for me but for all of us to present such a powerful expression of our culture on a global stage like Cannes. For me, it's about taking India to the world through our stories, creativity, and heritage. Shalini Passi: For me, fashion is an expression of myself. It reflects who I am, what I believe in, and what brings me joy. Right now, I'm in a maximalist phase – I'm enjoying bold choices, vibrant elements, and pieces that tell a story. As for the dos and don'ts, I always try to respect the context. Dressing appropriately for the occasion is essential. Understanding the culture of the country I'm in, the people I'm with, and the tone of the event. Sensitivity and awareness are key. Comfort is also a big priority. If I'm not comfortable, I won't feel confident. And lastly, I try to make ethical choices wherever possible. Fashion should be mindful as well as expressive. Shalini Passi: I'm very regimented by nature. I like structure and discipline in my daily life. I follow a raw food diet until 6 PM, which keeps my energy levels high and digestion light. Fitness is a non-negotiable part of my routine. I work out for about two hours a day, usually a mix of dance for an hour and Pilates for another. I sleep on time, avoid alcohol and cigarettes, and make it a point to eat clean and consciously. Skincare is another important part of my wellness routine. I truly believe in taking care of myself from the inside out. Shalini Passi: Yes, I'm very fond of Seema. She's such a fun person, and I enjoy chatting with her. In fact, I do meet the four of them whenever I'm in Bombay and our schedules align. That said, ever since the release of the show, my time has been incredibly limited. I've been working non-stop, and while I haven't had much of a social life lately, I'm really enjoying the pace and everything that's unfolding. A post shared by @orrysrelevanceroom Shalini Passi: Hopefully. I'm also looking forward to seeing myself on the screen. Shalini Passi: One habit I truly swear by is incorporating turmeric into your daily routine. It's incredibly powerful, great for metabolism, healing, and overall wellness. It's such a simple addition, but it makes a big difference. Shalini Passi: For me, consistency is key. People try hacks for ten days and expect results, but with the body, especially when it comes to skin and hair, real change takes at least three months. You have to be patient and committed. When it comes to hair care, I keep it very simple and natural. I rarely style my hair – I don't colour it, and I try to limit the use of heat as much as possible. That's also because I donate my hair to Tirupati, so I like to keep it healthy and untreated. You'll often see my hair tied up, and that's intentional. One thing I absolutely swear by is regular oiling. I have very curly hair, and I truly believe oiling has preserved its health and texture over the years. It's an old-school habit, but one that works. Shalini Passi: That's a great question. Honestly, I often look to others for insight into who I truly am, because sometimes people see things about us more clearly than we see ourselves. We tend to rationalise our actions and thoughts, but others can reflect a more actual image. If I had to describe what makes me, I'd say it's a blend of discipline and spontaneity. I'm very regimented and love planning, but I'm equally comfortable letting go and going with the flow when things don't go as expected. I embrace both structure and freedom, and that balance keeps me grounded. I also firmly believe that everything happens for a reason, guided by a higher power. Life is a continuous learning process – there's no failure or victory, just lessons along the way. That mindset, I think, truly shapes who I am. Shweta Sharma leads the lifestyle section at Over the years, she has written about culture, music, art, books, health, fashion, and food. She can be reached at ... Read More
