‘I used to fail…’: Shalini Passi admits to struggling with this subject in school | Life-style News
Shalini Passi may have become a household name through her appearance on Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives, but her appeal goes far beyond the glitz and glamour of reality TV.
While many perceive her as a recent sensation, Passi has long been a prominent figure, particularly within Delhi’s art and social scene. Growing up in the capital city, she attended Modern School, Barakhamba Road. Among its illustrious alumni is journalist Barkha Dutt, who, as Shalini revealed in a candid interview, had an unforgettable presence even during their school days.
“I used to be scared of you. I used to run, actually not just me, our entire batch used to run and hide when we saw you coming in the corridor…I think what is scary is that you can see through people; you don’t tolerate bullshit. You know someone who’s wasting their time; you can spot a person who’s faffing around and who’s serious. You take your work very, very seriously, and you take yourself very seriously. You have no time for nonsense, and we could feel it when we were in school,” Passi told Dutt.
Reflecting on her childhood, Shalini admitted to struggling in school, particularly with mathematics. “I used to fail math all the time,” she confessed, revealing a shared struggle with Dutt, who echoed similar sentiments. Despite this, Shalini credits her school for instilling a love for learning and creativity.
“Modern School encouraged everyone to participate in everything—sports, photography, art, even horse riding. It wasn’t just about excelling in one area; it was about exploring all possibilities,” she said. This holistic approach laid the foundation for her passion for the arts and philanthropy, pursuits that have since defined her career and personal life.
Counselling psychologist Srishti Vatsa explains that struggles in one area, like academics, shouldn’t define a person’s intelligence or future. “Intelligence isn’t just about excelling in subjects like math or science. It’s about recognising diverse strengths, creativity, communication, or problem-solving,” says Vatsa.
As Shalini shared, growing up with academic challenges often came with criticism, a common experience for many students. Vatsa highlights the importance of breaking the cycle of negative self-talk instilled during childhood:
“When children grow up hearing constant criticism, they internalise it, often becoming their own harshest critics as adults. Replacing these patterns with self-compassion and focusing on strengths can make a transformative difference,” she advises.
Parents and educators play a crucial role here. By celebrating what children excel at, instead of dwelling on their weaknesses, they can foster resilience, creativity, and self-worth
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