Fabulous Lives Vs Bollywood Wives review: Karan Johar is a filmmaker known for his diverse content range, from creating films like 'Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham' to shows like 'Call Me Bae' for the younger generation. He also explores the glamorous lives of Bollywood stars' wives in his show 'Fabulous Lives of Bollywood Wives'. In the latest season, renamed as ‘Fabulous Lives Vs Bollywood Wives’, he's added a new twist by featuring not just Mumbai’s celebrity wives but also three famous faces from Delhi. The result is an entertaining show that offers plenty of drama, humour, though it does feel a bit stretched at times.
The show brings back familiar faces like Bhavana Panday (wife of Chunky Panday), Maheep Kapoor (wife of Sanjay Kapoor), Seema Sajdeh (ex-wife of Sohail Khan), and actress Neelam Kothari (wife of Samir Soni). This season, three new personalities from Delhi join the mix—Riddhima Kapoor Sahni (sister of Ranbir Kapoor), socialite Shalini Passi, and fashionista Kalyani Saha Chawla. The interactions between the Delhi and Mumbai social circles form the crux of the show. There are moments of tension, clashes, and some revelations about their glamorous lives that will keep viewers hooked. You’ll discover things about these stars that most people wouldn’t know.
How is Fabulous Lives Vs Bollywood Wives
The show is fun and engaging, but it could have benefited from being slightly shorter. It kicks off with a cameo from Ranbir Kapoor, which is a delight as he both motivates and teases his sister, Riddhima. What follows is an interesting dynamic between Delhi and Mumbai, which is fun to watch, although some parts feel a little dragged out. Shalini Passi’s lavish lifestyle is showcased extensively, and while the others tease her, she takes everything in stride. Her line, “I don’t get mad because it’s bad for my skin,” adds a humorous touch as she fearlessly walks into the sea wearing an expensive outfit, unfazed by others’ comments.
Karan Johar's presence livens up the show. As usual, he adds a layer of entertainment, stirring things up among the cast, and you can’t help but enjoy the drama that unfolds. The show also touches on personal struggles—Neelam is worried about her daughter learning things from Google that she wanted to share herself, which makes you think about how differently we treat the children of celebrities. Maheep talks about her battle with COVID and diabetes, while Seema Sajdeh opens up about her divorce in a candid conversation with her son. Despite their glamorous lives, these stars face many of the same challenges that ordinary people do, and that relatability gives the show a heart.
While the show flaunts wealth and luxury, which may be hard for some viewers to connect with, it also has moments that are universally amusing. For instance, someone jokes that Shalini looks like an air hostess in one of her outfits, adding light humour to the show. There are plenty of moments where you’ll laugh, and at times, the conversations might leave you reflecting on certain things. However, some sequences are a bit slow, and trimming those could have made the show even more enjoyable.
Since this is a reality show, there’s no "acting," but everyone brings their real selves to the screen. Shalini Passi comes across as the most genuine, unfazed by others’ opinions and sticking to her authentic self. Seema Sajdeh looks stunning and carries herself with grace, especially when discussing her close friendship with Maheep. She’s moved on gracefully post-divorce. Riddhima Kapoor Sahni also stands her ground, adding some spice to the show. Maheep Kapoor comes across as practical and straightforward, with strong opinions that she isn’t afraid to voice. Bhavana Panday, mother of actress Ananya Panday, impresses with her style and confidence. Kalyani Saha Chawla stands firm on her beliefs, unaffected by the celebrity status of those around her. Neelam’s worry for her daughter is touching, and it’s refreshing to see a different side of the actress we’ve known from her Bollywood days.
Final verdict
'Fabulous Lives Vs Bollywood Wives' is a unique show that manages to entertain while giving viewers a peek into the lives of the rich and famous. With its mix of humour, drama, and glamorous lifestyles, the show offers plenty to enjoy. While it could have used more spice, the sheer number of stars and the entertaining moments make it worth watching on Netflix.
Rating: 3 stars