Showing posts with label Parag Tyagi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Parag Tyagi. Show all posts
How photographing celebrity funerals is leading to public consumption of private grief
9:24 AM
The intrusive digital coverage of actor Shefali Jariwala’s demise is another reminder that someone’s grief is not a spectacle. Sunday mid-day speaks to paparazzi, and film and celebrity publicists to understand where one should draw the line
Priyanka Sharma, Komal RJ Panchal (MID-DAY; July 6, 2025)
Hours after performing the last rites of his actor-partner, Shefali Jariwala, a distraught Parag Tyagi, with folded hands, requested the media and paparazzi to not make fun of the departed, and stop filming the unfortunate event. Tyagi’s request came after a day of what could be best described as grief voyeurism — from paparazzi and mediapersons filming him taking out his dog for a walk, pushing camera and microphones in the faces of those grieving, to shooting Tyagi kissing the mortal remains of his beloved. Shortly after, Bollywood star Varun Dhawan took to Instagram to question the need to cover “someone’s grief”. Many in the industry echoed his sentiments.
It’s not the first time the moral and ethical lines of reportage have been crossed in the face of a celebrity death. It’s also not the first time the media and paparazzi have been criticized for displaying insensitivity. Veteran Bollywood photographer Yogen Shah, a prominent member of the fraternity, poses a blunt question: “Tell me one thing — why cover celebrity funerals at all? What’s there to show?”
Shah emphasizes sensitivity and consent remain central to his team’s approach. “If the family says no, we listen,” he says, citing examples of the death of Jariwala and Anil Kapoor’s mother, Nirmal Kapoor. “When Sunita Kapoor (Anil’s wife) requested that her mother-in-law’s funeral not be photographed, no one clicked a single image. Similarly, Shefali Jariwala’s prayer meet was not covered by the paparazzi at all, in full respect of her family’s wishes,” he shares.
Popular Bollywood pap Snehkumar Zala, who is a part of senior photographer Manav Manglani’s team, says in the absence of any rules, people in the community employ personal discretion in such incidents. “It’s really about humanity. If someone is grieving or crying, I will personally never record or post it. Yes, like we cover a wedding, we will cover a funeral too. But we shouldn’t be invasive. From a news perspective, we will report on who’s attending the funeral, but we shouldn’t be zooming in on faces. These are lines I don’t want to cross. But today, there are many YouTubers and other video channels that have come into the picture. How many of them will stop?” he asks.
But in this unfortunate cycle driven by views and Instagram likes, the villains are many. “While paparazzi and freelancers chase these content for numbers, many dignified platforms are complicit in amplifying it, often without editorial discretion, under the pretext of serving an ‘audience demand’ that may not even exist in the form it’s presumed,” says publicist Priyanka Chandra, who runs film PR firm Mulberry Media.
Zala says the accountability lies on the editors and people, who manage hugely followed video and social media portals. “Besides their on-ground video teams, big news portals also buy content from independent paps and YouTubers. So, someone could shoot something and send it to you, but it’s on you whether you post it or not. The accountability should also be of the people managing these pages,” he points out.
From a publicist’s perspective, a celebrity death is not about disseminating information, but constant firefighting to save the reputation of the deceased. “The PR and media management in case of such events entirely depends on the comfort of the public figure and their family. While official statements are released by spokespersons and family to the media in case of natural deaths, this cannot be a template to follow in cases of active investigations. Media management is also done on-ground in case of some high-profile deaths, but the battle to counter misinformation is the biggest challenge for PR professionals,” says a film PR professional on the condition of anonymity.
To Chandra, it’s the normalization of public consumption of private grief that’s the actual crisis. “From a publicist’s point of view, these situations are such a nightmare to navigate. The publicist often becomes an invisible crisis manager of sorts, trying to hold space for privacy, maintain dignity and simultaneously, mitigate reputational damage. But when content is being generated from phones in the hands of bystanders and sold across these platforms with no gatekeeping, containment becomes near impossible. It’s a complete collapse of moral boundaries,” she explains.
The need for guidelines to enforce something as basic as sensitivity and compassion might feel tragic, but it’s becoming increasingly imperative. “For covering funerals, there should be a designated area at crematoriums and hospitals for the media, at a distance from visitors and those who are grieving. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Press Council of India should take cognizance of the matter, issue guidelines and set SOPs to better regulate press coverage during such instances. There are prominent paps who run a network of representatives on-ground. I strongly believe that they have the power to set an example,” says a PR executive.
But what happens when a publicist also gets their hand dirty? A senior PR shares with us that oftentimes paps are tipped off to cover funerals. “I was talking to a few paps and I learnt that a few days ago, Shefali’s prayer meeting was held, and the family said, ‘Please don’t cover.’ So paps did not cover. No one on social media even came to know that there was a prayer meet. So then what is happening? It’s flawed at many levels. It’s not one person’s problem. There are celebrities who want to be papped,” the publicist says.
The communication from a PR in the event of an untimely death will not necessarily be always streamlined, because it also depends on how powerful the publicist is, shares an insider. “After Shefali, Parag was the one to give approvals for such things such as a statement or other details. Maybe he wasn’t in the state? For Sridevi, there were managers and entire teams. But some don’t have access to that kind of structure who would take charge on their behalf and oversee PR,” the insider says.
Before any guidelines are set from the top, is there a collective action that celebrities and their publicists can take against regular offenders by discontinuing platforming themselves and their clients respectively until they put an end to intrusive practices? “The entertainment industry’s biggest problem is the lack of unity. If everyone stands together, there are many wrongs we can rectify. When an actor like Varun posts something, it’s great. I don’t even know if he knew Shefali well, but it’s not a question of knowing. It’s a question of humanity,” says another PR executive.
In the end, it all comes down to pausing for a minute, rethinking, and choosing conscience over coverage, Chandra sums up. “Ultimately, the question we must ask isn’t whether something will fetch views, but whether it should. Even entertainment journalism cannot be divorced from conscience.”
Sudden drop in BP caused Shefali Jariwala's death, say cops
9:48 AM
THE TIMES OF INDIA (June 30, 2025)
Mumbai: A sudden drop in blood pressure reportedly caused 42-year-old actress-model Shefali Jariwala’s collapse at home and death before being admitted to a hospital on Friday night. This is the gist of a preliminary test report obtained by Amboli police on Sunday.
The police stated that a forensic team was called to the location in accordance with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which mandates procedures to determine the cause of death. “As a part of this procedure, the doctors said they suspected the cause of death to be a dip in her BP,” said an officer from Amboli police station.
Another police officer said that they found two boxes containing antiaging/skin glow tablets containing glutathione and vitamin pills in Jariwala’s flat. “The statements of all family members and her husband Parag Tyagi were recorded, and they have no complaints. No foul play has been observed so far,” he added. A case of accidental death has been registered at the police station.
Jariwala had reportedly observed a fast for a satyanarayan pooja at home that was attended by her parents, who reside in the same building. Tyagi said her parents left 30 minutes after the pooja, and she collapsed after consuming refrigerated food that had been prepared the day before, the officer said. Police said Tyagi and the family members took Jariwala to hospital, where she was declared dead before admission.
“Jariwala’s family told police that she had been on self-medical treatment for a long time,” the officer added. The family has performed her final rites.
Mazaak, drama mat banaiyega-Shefali Jariwala's husband Parag Tyagi
9:46 AM
HINDUSTAN TIMES (June 30, 2025)
Late actor Shefali Jariwala’s final rites were carried out on Saturday in Mumbai. Her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, was visibly shaken up over her unexpected and sudden death.
Meeting the media with folded hands, he requested privacy, asking people not to sensationalize their loss. He said, “Mazaak, drama mat banaiyega, main sabse request karta hoon. Please pray for my pari. Please pray for her peace. Please aap bandh kijiyega.”
On Saturday, when Parag visited the hospital after Shefali’s autopsy, he was seen begging paparazzi to leave him alone. Later in the day, he performed his wife’s last rites with her family, and friends at the Oshiwara Crematorium. Parag, Shefali’s father Satish Jariwala, her rakhi brother Vikas Fhatak aka Hindustani Bhau turned pallbearers.
Several visuals from the funeral surfaced on social media, in which Satish could be seen struggling to hold back tears as he consoled his wife, Shefali’s mum Sunita.
CAUSE OF DEATH STILL UNKNOWN
A day after her demise, police said the post-mortem was completed, but the cause of death remained inconclusive till the time of going to press. Doctors at Mumbai’s Cooper Hospital who conducted the autopsy reserved their opinion pending forensic analysis, prompting the police to register an Accidental Death Report (ADR).
Shefali was reportedly suffering from a neurological disorder, for which she was on medication. As per officials, preliminary findings suggest she may have suffered a cardiac arrest, but investigators were waiting for toxicology and histopathology reports. Blood and viscera samples have been sent to the Kalina Forensic Science Laboratory for detailed analysis.
ARTI SINGH’S EMOTIONAL NOTE
Shaken by her friend’s demise, actor Arti Singh penned a tribute alongside a collection of their pictures. Arti remembered being smitten by her in Bigg Boss 13, adding how Shefali took on the role of a sister during her wedding preparations.
She wrote, “I don’t want to say u hv gone to heaven or a better place. This was not the time to go only. U had to spread more smiles and happiness and love... U will always always always be my special friend… I know life is unpredictable but we tend to forget tht. I hate writing rip. I pray u are happy and your soul is happy. And your family get strength. I love u my SHEFU.”
RASHAMI DEFENDS PARAG
A video of Parag walking their pet dog hours after Shefali’s death met backlash, with some questioning whether he was affected.
Actor Rashami Desai posted on Stories, “Arreee bhaiya, let’s spread kindness and compassion instead of judgment! Simba was more than just a pet — he was Shefali’s beloved son. Her sudden passing leaves a huge void, and I urge the media to respect the family’s grief and give them space during this difficult time. Let’s show empathy and understanding, not sensationalism.”
Did anti-ageing meds cause Shefali Jariwala’s death?
8:44 AM
Parag Tyagi, carries the bier out from their Oshiwara residence. Pic/PTI
Ahmed Ali & Avijit Ghosh | TNN (THE TIMES OF INDIA; June 29, 2025)
Mumbai/New Delhi: Shefali Jariwala, whose sizzling gyration and rebellious abandon in the music video of the remixed track ‘Kaanta Laga' (original song from ‘Samadhi', 1972) became a dance floor favourite, annoyed social conservatives and helped sell over a million cassettes, CDs and albums, passed away following a cardiac arrest on Friday night. She was 42.
Jariwala was rushed to a private hospital close to her Andheri West residence by husband-actor Parag Tyagi, but was declared dead on arrival. "Her family told doctors she was unwell with acidity and had not eaten the entire day," a senior police officer told TOI.
As per legal procedure, the hospital alerted the Amboli police (because the patient had not been admitted before her death), and an accidental death report (ADR) under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was filed.
Jariwala's body was taken to the post-mortem centre at Juhu's Cooper Hospital at around 1 am on Saturday. A mobile forensic team also visited her home late Friday to collect samples for toxicological analysis. Jariwala's viscera samples have been preserved for forensic analysis. Results of the post-mortem report and the chemical analysis are expected by Sunday and are likely to provide better clarity on what exactly caused the cardiac arrest.
The police officer, who spoke with the doctors, told TOI that Jariwala was taking medications for skin whitening, hormonal tablets as well as vitamins with reportedly anti-ageing properties. "Jariwala was reportedly in the habit of taking 8–9 different vitamin supplements daily," the officer said.
The Amboli police confirmed that they have recorded statements from Shefali Jariwala's husband, her parents, domestic help and her cook as part of routine inquiry in an ADR case.
Jariwala's death ended a career which had peaked following the super success of the ‘Kaanta Laga' music video in 2003. The song accelerated the short-lived trend of sensuous music videos, many recreated from 1970s R D Burman classics, that flooded music television channels in early years of the new millennium. ‘Kaanta Laga' was part of the best-selling remix album, DJ Doll.
‘Kaanta Laga' was reprised in the Salman-Priyanka-Akshay starrer, ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karoge' (2004) underlining the music video's eyeball-grabbing power. In the film, Shefali boogeyed with Akshay Kumar.
In a telephone interview in 2003, Shefali had said that acting in the video was a turning point in her life. "I have been recognized even in Middle East countries," she said. She was an engineering student then.
Her progression, thereafter, was modest. Jariwala performed in the dance show, ‘Nach Baliye', in ‘Bigg Boss 13', and, more recently, in the supernatural horror, ‘Shaitani Rasmein' (2024), where she played a powerful female spirit, Kapalika. Incidentally, another participant of ‘Bigg Boss 13', actor Sidharth Shukla, had died of a heart attack in 2021.
Jariwala had a sizeable 3.4 million followers on Instagram. Last week, she had posted a reel while getting ready for a shoot to the words of athlete-turned-influencer J B Copeland, "It's time for us to start living life, like everything else is working out in our favour."
Jariwala's sudden death was widely mourned on social media. Among those who posted tributes were singer Mika Singh, actors Kiku Sharda, Kamya Punjabi and All Indian Cine Workers Association.
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The post-mortem report has “reserved opinion” on the cause of death, but viscera samples have been sent to check for drug reactions to actor’s anti-ageing meds
Madhulika Ram Kavattur (MID-DAY; June 29, 2025)
Mere hours after actor Shefali Jariwala — of the Kaanta Laga fame — and her husband Parag Tyagi organized a Satyanarayan pooja at their Oshiwara home on Friday, the city was shocked to hear of her death later that night. At the pooja, which was attended by all their family members, the actor was seen not to have any health issues, sources said.
On Saturday, while talking to the police, the family did not raise any suspicions of foul play, the sources said. Jariwala, who rose to fame after her appearance in the popular Kaanta Laga music video, was also a participant in the reality TV show Bigg Boss (season 13). Initial reports stated that she died of cardiac arrest. Preliminary statements of her husband recorded by the police hinted that she had been undergoing anti-ageing treatment for a while and was on medication. The statement was attached to the other papers, including the police panchnama, sent to the autopsy centre with the body.
Jariwala, who resided in the Golden Rays Building in Andheri West, was taken to Bellevue Multi-speciality Hospital in Andheri late on Friday. She was then referred to Cooper Hospital, where she was declared dead on arrival. The hospital promptly informed the Amboli Police about her demise.
Autopsy inconclusive
On Saturday afternoon, a five-member team of forensic surgeons and a forensic pathologist from the RN Cooper Postmortem Centre and HBT Medical College conducted a two-hour-long autopsy on the mortal remains of model-turned-actor Shefali Jariwala.
“We have preserved the viscera samples for forensic analysis to determine the exact cause of death. A preliminary report has been issued mentioning ‘opinion reserved’,” said a hospital source. “The viscera sample will be sent to the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory [FSL], Kalina, for microscopic analysis, and to rule out any drug reactions, apart from other findings. Only after receiving the FSL report will the Cooper forensic team issue a final cause of death,” a source stated.
When asked whether any injury marks were found on the body, the source responded in the negative.
‘Sensitive case’
Police sources told this paper that considering the fallout of actor Sushant Singh Rajput’s death in 2020, they are following all procedures to prevent any controversy.
Given the high-profile nature of the case, the Amboli Police arranged for videography and still photography of the entire autopsy. A mobile forensic analysis team also visited the actor’s residence on Friday night to search for any potential forensic evidence. As of now, the Amboli Police have registered an accidental death report (ADR) under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.
The actor’s last rites on Saturday evening were attended by her colleagues and Bigg Boss co-participants. A family friend told Sunday mid-day, “It [Her demise] was very shocking news. She was just 42; people are not supposed to die so young. It’s so unfair.”
Shefali Jariwala passes away at 42; friends, colleagues shocked at her untimely demise
8:40 AM
Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; June 29, 2025)
Shefali Jariwala, best known as the Kaanta Laga girl, passed away at the age of 42 on June 27 in Mumbai. She reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest and was rushed to a hospital by her husband, Parag Tyagi. She was declared dead on arrival. A post-mortem was later conducted at the hospital.
Rising to fame in 2002 with the music video Kaanta Laga, she later appeared in Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and participated in reality shows like Bigg Boss 13 and Nach Baliye 5. Known for her candour, she had also spoken openly about battling epilepsy and mental health issues.
The news of Shefali Jariwala’s sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Her friends and colleagues are “shocked and saddened” by the untimely passing of the actress.
I wish spent more time and made more memories: Mika Singh
Mika Singh, who had worked with Shefali in the music video Hoton Pe Bas, said, “Life is so unpredictable. I knew this beautiful soul for over 25 years. We did countless shows together, crossed paths at many events, yet never truly got the chance to work closely. Then in 2020, Shefali called me and said, ‘Let’s do a song.’ We finally made it happen. Now I sit here thinking, I wish we had done more. Spent more time and made more memories. This has made me realize life is short and we must keep in touch with our loved ones… because sometimes, we don’t get a second chance.”
On set, she was always cheerful and down-to-earth: Surbhi Shukla
Shefali appeared in the TV show Shaitani Rasmein last year. Her co-actor Surbhi Shukla said, “I’m still finding it hard to believe she’s gone. On set, she was always cheerful and down-to-earth. At the same time, she was very hardworking, often quietly sitting in a corner, going over her lines with full dedication. She was fit, committed and full of life. She was very kind, warm and a great co-actor. What I remember most is her at our 50-episode celebration — dancing, singing, and laughing. That happy image is what stays with me now.”
Her absence will be deeply felt: Rahul Vaidya
I had known her for 15 years — we had performed together at a few live shows. She supported me during Bigg Boss. The last time we spoke was a year ago. We had even discussed collaborating on a song. She was a kind-hearted and fun-loving soul. Her absence will be deeply felt.
Shefali wanted to adopt a child once
Earlier in an interview with us, Shefali had spoken about her plans to adopt a child. However, post the pandemic, she had said, “I have lost too many close ones in this period, which has made me realize that life is fragile. I am scared to become a parent now, but Parag is ready. I believe you should bring home your baby only when you are ready and confident. I have just taken a step back and will wait until I feel confident to take that step in life.”
– Inputs by Neha Maheshwri and Onkar Kulkarni
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Shefali Jariwala, who rose to fame with the Kaanta Laga music video, is suspected to have died of a cardiac arrest
S Farah Rizvi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 29, 2025)
Actor Shefali Jariwala, widely known as the “Kaanta Laga girl” for her iconic early 2000s music video, died at the age of 42 on June 27. Mumbai Police have confirmed her passing.
“Her body was found at her residence in Andheri. The police received the information at 1 am (early hours of Saturday). Her body has been sent to Cooper Hospital for postmortem. The cause of her death is not yet clear,” police told PTI on Saturday.
She was rushed to Bellevue Hospital in suburban Mumbai by her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, and three others around 11.15 pm on Friday, where she was declared dead. Parag was seen leaving the hospital but did not speak to the media till the time of going to press. The cause of her death remains unclear, though some sources suggest she may have suffered a cardiac arrest.
Shefali, also known for her dance numbers in films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004) and Hudugaru (2011), was earlier married to music composer Harmeet Singh. They separated in 2009 after five years of marriage. She married Parag in 2014. They had no children.
KIKU SHARDA
The actor-comedian was among the first to post: “Of course, it’s a shocker for all. Working with her on a couple of shows, she was so full of life and that big smile on her face. I mean, it’s unbelievable for all of us, the entire fraternity.”
VINDU DARA SINGH
”I worked with her on a show. She was a livewire on stage, no fatigue even when performing live for long stretches. Of late, she was worried about her father who was not keeping well. But Parag, as she always said, was her source of strength.”
SUYYASH RAI
“Parag and Shefali have been close to us. Shefali was among the most pleasant and happy people around. Whenever we got time to catch up at parties or gatherings, she was the brightest and happiest to be with.”
SHARAD MALHOTRA
Shefali worked with Sharad on a web series Ratri ke Yatri. He says, “She was among the best of co-stars. I remember during the promotions, she praised me as a good co-actor, and it was mutual admiration for the person and performer she was.”
MIKA SINGH
The singer wrote on Insta, “I’m deeply shocked, saddened, and feeling a heavy heart... Our beloved star and my dearest friend has left us. Still can’t believe it. You will always be remembered for your grace, smile, and spirit. Om Shanti.”
In an old interview clip that is going viral on social media, Shefali said, “There can only be one Kaanta Laga girl... and that is me. I love it. I want to be known as the Kaanta Laga girl till the day I die.”
What’s wrong with chilling in the pool with your husband?-Shefali Jariwala
8:24 AM
Shefali Jariwala on being trolled for her vacation picture with Parag Tyagi in the pool
Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; June 17, 2023)
Shefali Jariwala recently posted some pictures of herself with her family from her Goa vacation. However, the actress was trolled for one of her pictures where she is in the pool with husband Parag Tyagi. Some users on social media called her ‘besharam’ for sporting a bikini while others said that she shouldn’t post such pictures.
Shefali remains unfazed and says it’s a part and parcel of being on social media. She says, “Trolling is something that is unavoidable. When you are on social media, people are going to comment; some will be good and some will be negative. I don’t take things to heart, but sometimes the comments are just so bizarre. Anyway, I did not let it affect me; I wouldn’t ruin my vacation for that. I had a good time and cherish the memories from my holiday. ”
‘I AM NOT GOING TO JUSTIFY THE PICTURES I SHARE ON SOCIAL MEDIA’
Shefali is amused that people could troll her for something like this. “How is it inappropriate to put a picture with my husband from our family vacation? It is my social media account and I can put up what I want. We post about our work and vacations all the time. Anyway, kuch toh log kahenge, logon ka kaam hai kehna. I am not going to justify the pictures I share on social media,” says Shefali, who was seen on Bigg Boss 13 and is currently focusing on web shows.
I am scared to become a parent now, but Parag Tyagi is ready-Shefali Jariwala
8:08 AM
Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; March 1, 2023)
Shefali Jariwala began 2023 on a difficult note. She was to perform at an event in Indore when she had a fall and severely injured her hand and had to get 25 stitches. It took her a while to heal completely.
She says, “I was injured a day before the event and was advised to not perform because of the stitches. But it was a New Year’s event and I felt professionally, it wouldn’t be right to opt out at the last minute. So, I went ahead with my performance, but my hand started bleeding on stage and I was in pain. I guess that’s the reason it took a long time for the injury to heal, but I am fine now.”
On the personal front, Shefali has been married to actor Parag Tyagi for seven years. The two had spoken about their plans to adopt a child in the past. However, it was delayed owing to the pandemic. Shefali says, “I feel everything has its own time and things that are supposed to happen will happen.”
Sharing the reason, Shefali says, “Everything changed during the lockdown. The intention is still there, but I am scared. The two years of the pandemic made me feel very uncertain of the future, I have lost too many close ones in this period, which has made me realize that life is fragile. I am scared to become a parent now, but Parag is ready. I believe you should bring home your baby only when you are ready and confident; not just financially stable, but also mentally stable. I have just taken a step back and will wait until I feel confident to take that step in life.”
As for work, Shefali, who is best known as the Kaanta Laga girl and for her stint in Bigg Boss 13, is now focusing on OTT. “I have already shot for three web shows. As an artiste, I want to explore more, no matter what the medium is. Finally, people are seeing me beyond the glamour and I am being offered roles with substance.”
Parag Tyagi recognised the monotony in my life, pushed me towards acting-Shefali Jariwala
8:29 AM
Jaspreet Nijher (BOMBAY TIMES; November 20, 2022)
Although she has done reality shows, Shefali Jariwala has stayed away from saas-bahu TV soaps. Best known as the Kaanta Laga girl, she spoke to us about why she isn’t interested in being a part of daily soaps, and how her husband and actor Parag Tyagi helped her take up acting more seriously. Excerpts:
Why didn’t you pursue music videos or even TV after the success of Kaanta Laga?
I am doing web now, though not mainstream Hindi television. I have often been approached for music videos, especially in Punjabi, but that was not on my agenda and still isn’t. My focus shifted towards acting, even though dancing will always be my first love. There are some roles that come your way to make you grow as a performer, refine your craft, and web has given me that. Fortunately, audiences also accept artistes on web more readily than other mass mediums.
Why have you stayed away from TV so far despite doing three dance reality shows?
TV has a huge audience and that’s why it is surviving, but I don’t see myself in that zone wearing a saree and playing the ideal bahu right now. In real life, I am a doting wife, but my reality doesn’t help me improve my craft.
How has Parag contributed to your onscreen journey?
It was because of Parag that I took up acting seriously. He recognized the monotony that was seeping into my life even before I saw it. He told me that you are growing as a person, but you should evolve as an artiste, too. He is such a good artiste that you will be amazed how good a person he is in real when you see him as a bad boy on screen.
Whenever Parag Tyagi sneezes or coughs, I hit the panic button-Shefali Jariwala
8:32 AM
Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; May 11, 2021)
Shefali, who says that it’s important to focus on mental health and talk about it in the current situation, posts messages encouraging people to think positive on social media. Talking about the things that she finds solace in, Shefali shares, “When restrictions were lifted, Parag and I went camping and hiking, which gave us a lot of joy. I have created a small garden in my balcony, and tending to the plants gives me a lot of joy. Just going back to basics has brought a certain sense of calm in my life. In fact, today, rather than the treadmill, I prefer walking on green grass.”
I would want my first child to be adopted-Shefali Jariwala
8:01 AM
Shefali Jariwala has convinced husband Parag Tyagi, but the process of bringing a girl child home has been interrupted by the lockdown
Ankita Chaurasia (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 24, 2020)
When Shefali Jariwala signed up as a wild card entrant on the last edition of Salman Khan’s realilty show Bigg Boss, after refusing to feature in the first season and every subsequent offer thereafter, little did she know it would serve as prep for the coming months. Evicted in Week 17, she was basking in all the attention coming her way, till the Coronavirus-triggered pandemic brought the world to a halt. But the dancer-actress prefers this lockdown to being under the surveillance of 150 cameras while locked up in the Bigg Boss house. “At least there is no controversy here; no one is getting eliminated every week. I am also full of gratitude for all that I have with me through the lockdown—my family, the TV and phone. In the house, you don’t even get a piece of paper and a pen,” she points out.
However, she admits that had it not been for the show, she would have “gone nuts” under house arrest. “After learning to cook and clean bathrooms on camera, there was no shame in doing the same at home. Having been captain of the house, I had also learnt to delegate work. I gave Parag (Tyagi, actor-husband) a set of duties and kept the rest for myself, telling him to stay out of my way,” she chuckles.
During her time in the house, Shefali had spoken of her desire to adopt a girl child. She says she has been ready since the first time she visited an orphanage at the age of 10. “After five years of marriage, everyone was going, ‘bachcha, bachcha, bachcha’. That’s when I spoke to Parag about adoption. My life has been like a fairytale and I want to share this love and blessing with someone. It took a while for him and our families to understand and accept my decision,” she relays, rueing the delay brought on by the lockdown. “Research, paperwork and counselling sessions take time, but we are positive,” she adds wistfully. And what about a child of her own? “Never say never. But for having a baby, we have to be together, right?” she laughs, adding, “I would want my first child to be adopted. If we go for a second child, maybe I’ll have one of my own.”
But as of now, she’s busy with musician-friend Mika Singh’s music video. “He sent over the remixed version of ‘Honthon Pe Bas’ and asked me to collaborate. I loved the song and he managed to get it shot during the lockdown. I tried singing too, but I sound like a cockroach, so we both stuck to what I know best,” guffaws the self-proclaimed ‘thong girl of India’ who created a stir when she gyrated to a remixed version of “Kaanta Laga” for her debut music video in 2002, recreating the same in Mujhse Shaadi Karogi. “It was the first time a remix was used in a film and with names like Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar, there was no way I’d say no,” she points out.
However, Shefali has refused acting offers in films and TV because it was uncharted territory, choosing to do stage shows instead and completing her education on her father’s insistence. “Like every teenager, I wanted to see myself on TV. There was the added lure of pocket money. But coming from an academic family, giving up on a degree was never an option,” says the qualified computer engineer and partner in her sister’s gamification company in Dubai. “If the lockdown lasts longer, I’ll sign up for MBA. I’m also looking forward to doing a comedy; I am a funny girl,” she giggles, signing off.
It has been my childhood dream to adopt a child-Shefali Jariwala
8:39 AM
Shefali and her actor husband Parag Tyagi are ready to become parents now
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; June 19, 2020)
Actor couple Shefali Jariwala and Parag Tyagi, who tied the knot in 2015, are eager to welcome a baby girl into their family. The two have initiated the formalities for adoption and are keeping their fingers crossed. For Shefali, adoption has been a childhood dream. She says, “I was around 12 years old when I understood the concept of adoption, and tab se hi mann mein ye khayal aa gaya tha ki I will adopt a child. There are so many children who need a good upbringing. I know that Parag and I will be good parents. Fortunately, we are in a position to raise them well, and give them the love, education and life they deserve. My desire became stronger when I was inside the Bigg Boss house.”
Shefali said, “Previously, there have been times when I developed cold feet, but during Bigg Boss, I had enough time to introspect and I became even more sure that this is what I want to do. I told Parag that it had to happen now. At some point, we may also have biological children. Never say never.”
While it has been her longstanding wish, it took time for Shefali to convince Parag and their respective families. She shares, “Like it happens in most families even these days, the first question our parents asked us was, ‘Why adopt when you can have your own?’ Initially, it was difficult to convince Parag as well. It was important for him to support me whole-heartedly, as we would be raising the child as a team. Today, both of us and our families are on the same page.”
The couple is a bit disappointed that the adoption process has slowed down owing to the ongoing Coronavirus crisis. Shefali says, “All the offices were shut during the lockdown. In any case, adoption is a long, meticulous process in our country; there is a lot of paperwork and documentation involved. It might actually take two-three years before you can bring the baby home. Parag and I have initiated the process. I know that it’s been delayed, but it will happen when it has to happen, because these things are destined. I have the faith and patience.”
For now, the actress is busy parenting and pampering their eight-year-old pug, Simba. “Oh yes! He is our son and he is quite a handful (laughs!),” she signs off.
Asim Riaz was hitting on me, but I told him that I am married and much older than him-Shefali Jariwala
7:53 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; January 28, 2020)
Shefali Jariwala joined Bigg Boss 13 midway and in no time emerged as one of the strongest contestants on the reality show. However, towards the end, it seemed like she was losing her sheen and was voted out over the weekend. Soon after her exit, Shefali spoke to BT about her journey on the show, proximity with friend-turned-foe Asim Riaz and her equation with Sidharth Shukla. Read on...You were inside the house for three months. How would you sum up your journey?
It’s been a wonderful experience. There are many good players and the stress level is high this season. I am happy that I lasted for three months, I think that I am a better version of myself today. There is so much to learn in the house — it’s a game of patience, willpower and courage. There were times when I was down and out, and I didn’t know I had so much patience and courage to fight back, because in the real world, if you don’t like something, you walk away from it. Living in the house, I also realised that I am logical and sensible compared to a lot of others (laughs!). I also got in touch with my emotional side; I am happy to know that I could be this emotional. I am proud that I played with a lot of dignity and tried my best not to stoop low even when people provoked or instigated me.
You seemed quite strong in the first half, voicing your opinions and standing up for what you believed was right. However, towards the second half, many people felt that you ended up being under the shadow of Sidharth Shukla, Paras Chhabra and Mahira Sharma...
Inside the house, if you show a sign of weakness, the others pounce on you, they use and abuse it. Being a wild-card entrant, my biggest challenge was to forge an alliance; I needed it. I bonded with Hindustani Bhau (Vikas Fhatak), Himanshi Khurana and Asim Riaz. After Bhau and Himanshi were eliminated, it was just Asim and me in the group. We were going strong; I trusted him completely and thought that it was mutual. However, his behaviour changed overnight, and he became rude towards me. Actually, he played a game with me, just like he played with Sidharth Shukla. The moment he found Himanshi and me, he walked out on Sidharth. And the moment he found Rashami Desai, he walked out on me. If you lose a strong alliance at that point in the game, you become directionless. It happened with me right in the middle of the game, when I was going strong. Around that time, Sidharth and Paras exited the house (temporarily) because of health reasons. When they returned, their attitude towards me had changed. I am very organic with my relationships. I didn’t befriend anyone as part of a strategy or game. I befriended them because I truly liked them. And just when we were about to become a team, I was eliminated. I am always pro-Sidharth. There were issues with him in between, but I have known him for a long time, and I will vote for him. I want him to win the show. At the moment, Asim is the most negative and toxic person inside the house.
Many of your supporters felt that you looked stronger with Asim and comparatively weaker when you joined Sidharth, Paras and Mahira’s team...
I must have looked strong when I was with Asim, because he doesn’t have a mind of his own. On the other hand, Paras, Mahira and Sidharth have very strong opinions. It wouldn’t have been possible for me to jump in and share my opinions with them right away. At that time, winning their trust was most important for me; I had to be mellow, show them who I really was, and didn’t want them to feel threatened. In that process, it might have come across that I was losing my mojo, which wasn’t the case.
When Asim and you were good friends, a section of the audience also felt that there was something more between the two of you. What do you have to say about that?
Oh no, not at all. In fact, Asim did hit on me initially. It wasn’t direct, but everyone in the house had sensed it. However, I made it clear to him that I am a much older, married woman, and I am not interested. That’s when he shifted his focus to Himanshi, who, too, didn’t give him any attention back then. So, he used my friendship and me to get close to her. I have never taken a fancy for Asim. Yes, I did love him as a friend; I always called him my little kiddo in the house.
You said that this season features a lot of good players. Who is your pick?Irrespective of the kind of game they play — negative or positive — Sidharth and Asim are good. Paras is also a very good player, he knows how to manipulate and play with your psyche. Shehnaz Gill (left), too, is a player. She knows exactly what she is doing, she is not a child. I don’t think Rashami is a good player, I don’t know what she is doing in the house.
You said that unlike the outside world, you can’t walk away from people inside the house. Given a choice, who would you have walked away from?
Definitely, Asim and Shehnaz. She had started getting on my nerves towards the end. In fact, her pretence of being a stupid, little child was getting to everyone in the house. Sidharth, too, is done with Shehnaz now. It’s sad, as they looked great together for the audience.
While you had the support of Sidharth, Paras and Mahira inside the house, your husband Parag Tyagi was your biggest supporter outside. The two of you come across as contrasting personalities. While he seems to be the emotional one, you are quite practical. What’s the secret to your happy marriage?
I don’t know... I think it’s all him. I am not an easy person to live with. Yes, I am very practical. It’s not that I am not at all emotional, but I am not very expressive. It happens when you start working at a very young age. Being a woman in a man’s world, it’s more of a self-preservation tactic. But Parag understands me and knows how much I love him. I think his understanding has kept us together and also, the immense trust he has in me. But I have to say that after three months in the Bigg Boss house, I do want to show that man some more love now. That’s something I realised for the first time in my life. You understand the true value of something when you are away from it. I can’t live without Parag now.
You don't need a glittery reception to announce you're were married-Shefali Jariwala
7:45 AM
Kaanta Laga girl Shefali Jariwala reveals details of her wedding to actor Parag Tyagi
Lakshmi V (BOMBAY TIMES; November 20, 2015)
It's been over a year since Kaanta Laga girl
Shefali Jariwala and TV actor Parag Tyagi tied the knot in a private
ceremony. While the two never felt the need to make a public
announcement or host a lavish reception, they are at ease now to talk
about it.“Ours was a court marriage and my driver and our staff, whom we consider family, was our witness,“ says Shefali, adding, “My parents were in South Africa and his parents, in Delhi. We chose to tie the knot on August 12 last year because it was the same date on which he popped the question to me four years ago. We were living together before deciding to make it official. We thought it was the next gradual step.“
The actress is aware that many thought she wanted the wedding to be a secret, but tells us it was not the case. “I don't have happy memories of my previous marriage. I also didn't believe we needed to have a glittery reception to announce we were married. We'd first appeared on Nach Baliye when we were dating, and this year, we returned on the show as a married couple. But if our friends had asked for a party, we would have happily given them one,“ she adds.
So, are the two considering expanding their family? “Not now. Many believe children complete a marriage, and I like kids, too. But we are happy as a couple in our own space and haven't planned a family yet,“ she replies.
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