Shalini Bajaj Surve is a passionate storyteller, media professional, and former entrepreneur who once helmed a book-based subscription box. Forever in search of creative sparks, she delights in wandering through the worlds of stories and books. Over the past four years, she has honed her craft in both storytelling and writing, weaving tales with the same joy and wonder with which she embraces dance, music, and bird photography. For Shalini, storytelling is nothing less than sprinkling a little magical pixie dust into the everyday.

An erstwhile core member of the Mumbai Storytellers Society (MSS), Shalini played an instrumental role in conceptualising, executing, and promoting its sessions and events. She has performed widely—both with MSS and independently—across schools, museums, and public events. She represented India at the Kanoon International Storytelling Festival in Iran (2022), performed at Gaatha – Mumbai International Storytelling Festival (2023), and took the stage at the Kukdukoo Children’s Fest (2025). She was also an integral part of the festival team for Gaatha in both 2023 and 2024.

Shalini now brings her experience of managing and promoting storytelling events to MIST 2026.