Shalini tried learning slang to sound 'cool' for 'Fabulous Lives...'
What's the story
Shalini Passi, who gained fame from Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives, recently shared that she took English lessons and even learned slang to "sound cool" before appearing on the show. In an interview with Humans of Bombay, she confessed to being conscious about her appearance and speech before facing the camera.
Struggles
'Before signing the series and starting the shoot...'
Passi revealed, "Before signing the series and starting the shoot, I went through a phase where I wanted to be 'cool.'" "I was very conscious and told myself, 'Now that I'm going to face the camera, I can't look like I'm from the Victorian era.'" "Honestly, I even tried learning slang and speaking in a cool manner like everyone else." She added that she had been studying English for eight years to overcome her stammer.
Insecurities
'I don't smile too much because I feel...'
Despite her calm composure on screen, Passi confessed to insecurities about her appearance. "I don't smile too much because I feel my nose is too big," she admitted. "Now, of course, I contour it. But for most of my life, I avoided smiling because I thought it made my nose look even bigger." She also believed her teeth looked too yellow due to her fair complexion but now thinks they look fine on camera.
Support
Her friends thought she wouldn't fit into the show
Passi also revealed that many of her friends initially doubted her ability to fit into the show. "When I signed the series, many of my friends called me and said, 'Don't do it, Shalini. You're too simple, you're not cut out for it.' But now, they have all changed their minds," she laughed.
Turning point
How a plastic surgeon's words stopped her from getting surgery
Passi also revealed, "About 20 years ago, I went to a plastic surgeon in New York." "He looked at me and said, 'I know why you're here.' I asked him, 'Why?' and he said, 'Because of your nose.'" "He said, 'Do you know your nose is probably your grandfather's or your mother's?'" "Your nose defines your character. I can fix it, but it will change your face." Passi shared that since then, "I proudly carry everything I have inherited."