Shalini Passi may wear many hats as an art collector, patron, model, and design connoisseur but it is philanthropy where she truly finds her purpose. It grounds her maximalism universe when she sits cross-legged with children at an Anganwadi centre in Purnea, Bihar, freezes Delhi’s pandemic-stricken silence into eerie monochrome frames to fundraise for COVID-19 relief, and donating her entire earnings from Netflix show Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives to UNICEF’s child development programmes. In Passi’s world, affluence and influence is put to best use for humanitarian causes.
Yet she does it in a way that is unmistakably her own. It’s rooted in her perfectionism, artistic flair(read extravagant themed costumes) and the power to summon the biggest names in film, design, art, fashion, culture and luxury lifestyle to donate meaningful causes. It is all done through her grand MASH Ball. In just a couple of years since its inception in 2023, the Ball has become India’s answer to the most glamorous charity galas in the world like The Met Gala in NYC, Butterfly Ball for the Caudwell Children Charity UK to amfAR Gala in Cannes.
Now, returning for its second edition, the MASH Ball hosted by Shalini Passi returns on 5th October to the St. Regis, Mumbai, under the evocative theme Fashion in Films. “Mumbai is the heart of both the Hindi and Marathi film industries. It felt only natural to build the evening around the cinema. Fashion in Films draws inspiration from the rich legacy of costumes and style that have lit up the screen ever since India’s first feature film in 1913,” Passi tells Outlook Luxe a day before the gala event.
Artworks for philanthropy
The Mash Ball’s second edition will bring together artists, philanthropists, industrialist designers, and creative forces, whose works will explore cinema and its power to shape the collective imagination of the country. The curation of works for donation features a mix of thoughtful, diverse, and deeply relevant art, hand-picked by Passi herself. “We’re featuring works by Ann Carrington, the UK-based artist known for her incredible use of metal; K.K. Raghava whose work is always playful yet thought-provoking; and Ashiesh Shah, who brings his distinctive design sensibility into his art practice,” says Passi.
The showcase will also have Vibha Galhotra’s powerful pieces that raise urgent questions about the environment, F.N Souza’s “Head” series featuring distorted human faces symbolic of frailty and survival and Michelle Poonawala’s acrylic painting AquaVitae reflects the eternal bond between water and existence. However, the highlight remains a self-portrait donated by Rocco Ritchie, son of Madonna & Guy Ritchie titled ‘Self Portrait Before, Art Be a Part” as a special gesture of generosity.
The Ball Format
While there are many celebrity philanthropists in India, such as Alia Bhatt, Deepika Padukone to Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Akshay Kumar, Shalini distinguishes herself by using the format of an elite ball party to make an impact. “I’ve always been inspired by iconic charity balls around the world—like the Met Gala, which raises funds for the Costume Institute, and the Tiepolo Ball in Venice, which supports the restoration of Venetian heritage. These events beautifully combine culture, glamour, and philanthropy, creating a legacy that goes far beyond one evening. While I’ve personally supported different charitable institutions over the years, I felt this was a way to bring more people into the fold. It’s about creating a platform where even those who may not be heavily invested in a cause can still participate, connect, and gradually become part of something meaningful,” the philanthropist tells us.
While The Ball will see the who is who from the creative world decked in head-turning themed looks, its message is clear — all proceeds will support UNICEF India’s Art-Based Therapy (ABT) and Early Childhood Development (ECD) programmes, two initiatives that Passi has supported over the years. The ABT provides children a space to freely express, communicate and heal through non-verbal mediums. The program aids in healing trauma through emotional release and self discovery, helping children to restore balance in an increasingly complex world. The ECD stresses on early years of a child’s life, ensuring that every child has the right tools to survive, thrive and become successful. With the MASH Ball, Passi is standing up for children who are too often unheard and unseen.
