Shalini Passi: "Cannes Is So Much More Than Glamour..." | Exclusive

Social media sensation Shalini Passi is setting the internet ablaze with her Cannes fashion. Now, she has exclusively spoken to Jayveer Singh about her experience at the film festival, behind-the-scenes moments, and more.

Here are a few excerpts from this delightful conversation;

What was your most memorable moment at Cannes?

Without a doubt, the most memorable moment for me was speaking at the India Pavilion alongside Paresh Maity and Anupama Chopra. Standing there, representing Indian art and culture on such a global stage was a very emotional experience. Cannes is so much more than glamour; it's about storytelling, identity, and purpose. Being part of a dialogue that bridges India with the world felt deeply personal and incredibly powerful.

Photo Credit: Instagram

What inspired your fashion choices for the event?

Fashion, for me, is a form of art, it's how I communicate culture. For my debut at Cannes, I wanted to wear something that celebrated India's rich heritage but with a modern, global sensibility. All the looks were crafted to be both striking and functional, after all, Cannes weather can be unpredictable! But beyond the aesthetic, I wanted to carry the spirit of India with me on that red carpet, to make a statement without saying a word.

What was it like walking the red carpet at Cannes, and did you have any pre-event jitters?

You know, I wasn't nervous. For me, the red carpet is just one aspect of Cannes. There's so much happening behind the scenes: the conversations, creativity, and collaborations. The media often magnifies the red-carpet glamour, but Cannes is a festival of ideas. That's what excites me — the art, the cinema, the culture — not just the limelight.

4. Any favorite interactions or meetings at Cannes?

Cannes was filled with inspiring moments. Staying at The Martinez was surreal — brushing shoulders with icons like Meryl Streep and Bella Hadid, and connecting with Indian talents like Aishwarya Rai and Payal Kapadia.

Photo Credit: Instagram

I attended some truly special events, each offering its own magic — from the elegant Dolce Dinner at Copal Beach to the heartfelt Global Gift Gala at La Môme Plage, and the dazzling Chopard event at Hangar 16. The Better World Fund masterclass and gala at the Carlton Hotel left a lasting impression with its focus on sustainability and purpose.

Representing India at the BMW red carpet and shoot at Palais des Festivals was a proud moment, and the Chopard Bollywood Evening at the Hotel Martinez felt like home. Ending the festival with the Michael Cinco walk and gala was pure couture magic. Each experience deepened my appreciation for art, philanthropy, and meaningful global exchange.

How will Cannes impact your career or personal brand?

Cannes has been an incredible learning experience. I'm still new to the film world, and to witness the depth and scale of global cinema from such close quarters has been eye-opening. It's expanded my perspective, not just as a creative but as someone passionate about storytelling and cultural exchange. The impact is evolving, and I'm excited to see where it leads.

What advice would you give to aspiring influencers wanting to make a mark at Cannes?

One advice I would like to say to all the people aspiring to attend Cannes is, just don't come just to pose, rather come with a purpose. There's a universe of talent and vision at Cannes that the media barely scratches the surface of. Focus on the substance. Engage with creators, support stories that matter, and represent your culture with authenticity. Influence should be more than image, it should be impact.

Photo Credit: Instagram

Any surprising behind-the-scenes stories from Cannes?

Oh, absolutely, Cannes is full of little moments that make it magical. The weather kept us on our toes, imagine adjusting a couture train in the middle of a sudden drizzle, with paparazzi clicking away! But that's Cannes; elegance with a touch of chaos, and I loved every bit of it.

How will you incorporate Cannes inspiration into your future projects?

Cannes has truly reignited my passion for blending traditional Indian aesthetics with contemporary storytelling. I want to take that spirit forward, whether it's through curating cross-cultural art collaborations or supporting independent filmmakers and artists who are pushing boundaries. There's something powerful about global platforms that celebrate diverse voices, and I'm inspired to create spaces — both physical and digital — that foster that kind of creative dialogue. This is just the beginning.