Showing posts with label Shefali Jariwala. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shefali Jariwala. Show all posts
Sona Mohapatra claps back at trolls on Kaanta Laga remarks
9:27 AM
Vishakha Pandit (HINDUSTAN TIMES; July 6, 2025)
Singer Sona Mohapatra has responded to the criticism over her recent remarks on Kaanta Laga music video directors Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, denying allegations of insensitivity after actor Shefali Jariwala’s death.
Speaking to us, Sona (49) said, “What do the people of India feel about performative grief? It’s insidious self-promotion riding on a pretty performer’s untimely demise — it should upset everyone. These songs and legends are the musical heritage we stand on.”
It all started on Friday, when she shared an Instagram Story about the directors “retiring the song” after Shefali’s passing, writing: “3 legends created Kaanta Laga. Composer, lyricist, and singer: R D Burman, Majrooh Sultanpuri, Lata Mangeshkar... These two only created a smutty video with a 19-year-old. RIP and all for the 42-year-old lady but legacy???”
Several social media users accused Sona of being “insensitive” by refusing to name Shefali. Some also pointed out that Sona had voiced the 2004 remix Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar, which had an equally sensuous video.
However, on Saturday, the singer shared a follow-up post: “Are we okay with our legends fading and getting disconnected from their own creations? Calling yourself the ‘makers’ of Kaanta Laga is okay when you are just the makers of a remix video?”
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.”
Shefali Jariwala was fresh, radiant, gave 'Kaanta Laga' its life-Radhika Rao, Vinay Sapru
8:46 AM
Director duo Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru remember the Kaanta Laga girl
Komal RJ Panchal, Priyanka Sharma (MID-DAY; June 29, 2025)
Less than a month ago, actor Shefali Jariwala met her first-ever collaborators, director duo Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, to discuss the possibility of creating something as memorable as their first collaboration — the 2002 Kaanta Laga music video, a remixed version by musician Harry Anand. A night after the actor’s untimely demise, we spoke with them as they walked down the memory lane to remember the ‘Kaanta Laga girl’.
“When we met her just 20 days ago, she told us how proud she was that Kaanta Laga remained iconic even after two decades. She wanted to do something new that could stay memorable for another 20 years,” shared a sombre Sapru. As captivating and vibrant as the video was, it also stirred a huge controversy, with many calling it “too bold”. But Jariwala became an overnight star. “Shefali was fresh, radiant, and gave that song its life,” Rao added.
Recalling how they cast the 19-year-old engineering student for the song, Rao said, “Vinay and I were driving somewhere in Mumbai when we spotted a girl sitting behind her mother on a scooter. As she passed by our car, we both looked at each other and said, ‘She’s perfect! She looks like a doll.’ That’s how we found Shefali. Her look in Kaanta Laga was actually inspired by a Japanese doll. She wasn’t a trained dancer or actor, but she worked incredibly hard to get the steps and look right. She was like family to us — bubbly, chirpy, and full of positive energy. That’s how we’ll always remember her,” Rao smiled.
Filmmaker-writer Farhad Samji, who got acquainted with the late actor much later, shared Rao’s sentiments. Samji directed her in her maiden series, Baby Come Naa (2018). His experience working with Jariwala was so good that he ensured she was part of his next series, Boo: Sabki Fategi (2019), as well.
“She was a very good friend. She was the kind of person who approached life with a positive spirit,” he says, adding that her exuberance was hard to miss. “I read somewhere that she had said, ‘I want to be remembered as the Kaanta Laga girl.’ That was her, living life on the front foot and with an abundance of positivity.”
----------------------------------------------------
BOMBAY TIMES (June 29, 2025)
Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, who directed Shefali Jariwala’s Kaanta Laga music video, said, “She was like our baby, like our own child. We mentored her because we believed in her, and she trusted us. This morning, when we woke up to the news that the Kaanta Laga girl is no more, all the memories came flooding back – memories of a life and a journey we started together 22 years ago. She had come to our office just two weeks ago. She said, ‘Let’s make a new plan for life. I’m 40 now, and I want to start something fresh.’ We are shattered, it feels like we’ve lost a member of our own family.”
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.
----------------------------------------
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
-------------------------------------
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.”
I don’t mind it, says Shefali Jariwala on paparazzi clicking her from behind
8:23 AM
Rishabh Suri (HINDUSTAN TIMES; August 10, 2023)
Actor Shefali Jariwala remains unfazed by trolls, including the attention she receives from paparazzi. Recently, her remark on a podcast, “I work bloody hard on my a**. So, if it looks good, I don’t mind [being clicked from behind],” went viral. Talking to us, Jariwala says that unlike many female actors who don’t like being clicked from behind, she embraces the attention.
“I work very hard on my body, so if somebody appreciates it, I am okay. You can’t hide your posterior or wear an abaya and step out,” she says.
The 41-year-old says she hasn’t yet found any objectionable or vulgar videos of her. “I’m confident that if something like that (a video she’s uncomfortable with) ever comes out, I share the equation to tell the pap to take it down and they would. There is mutual respect,” says Jariwala.
She adds, “They (paps) are not bad people, they are just doing their job and putting out what the audience wants. Everyone wants to go viral.”
Ask her about the female actors who object to being clicked from behind, and Jariwala says, “To each their own. Is saying ‘peeche se mat lena’ going to control anybody? Even regular people can click such pics and you can’t control them all. Yes, if something is objectionable, it’s important to say what you feel.”
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.”
Interacting with sex workers took me to a dark place-Shefali Jariwala
8:31 AM
Syeda Eba Fatima (HINDUSTAN TIMES; November 29, 2022)
It can often be a daunting task for an actor to get into the skin of a character they are portraying on screen. Actor Shefali Jariwala faced similar challenges while prepping for her recent web show, Ratri Ke Yatri 2, where she plays the role of a sex worker. To get the nuances of the character right, she met and interacted with several sex workers — an experience that she calls eye-opening for many reasons.
“Before doing this project, I had preconceived notions about sex workers. I used to judge them because I thought what they did was dirty, just like people who think, ‘Ganda kaam hai, gande log hain’. But that is very wrong and untrue,” she says, adding, “Interacting with several of them and hearing their stories changed my perspective significantly. The whole process was very tragic for me and took me to a very dark place.”
Getting so invested in their lives, the actor admits, meant that it became difficult for her to come out of that zone long after the project got over.
“I cannot explain what I felt and how their stories and struggles affected me mentally and emotionally. I had no idea how to switch it off,” she shares.
Now that she has played this intense character, the 39-year-old acknowledges that it has helped bring her acting prowess to the limelight.
“The project helped me prove the potential that I hold as an actor. After this, people started taking me seriously. Now, they are able to imagine me in non-glamorous roles. Previously, they would only offer me characters where I would have to be a bimbette or a good dancer. But, now I am getting calls for good projects. I have already shot for three shows with characters that are complex and interesting... I am hungry and greedy for good roles, and I’m glad I’m finally getting to do them,” she concludes.
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.
Sidharth Shukla lives on... in our hearts and memories-Shefali Jariwala
7:42 AM
Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; September 2, 2022)
It’s been a year since Sidharth Shukla passed away. Last year on September 2, he breathed his last after suffering a cardiac arrest. But his popularity remains intact. In fact, people close to him feel it has grown even more, which is evident from the numerous trends on social media. His followers continue to celebrate his achievements — from Balika Vadhu to Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania to Bigg Boss 13 — and remember all his glorious moments. One of the popular hashtags on Twitter is #SidharthShuklaLivesOn. His friends from the industry miss him, but they are glad to see the way his fans continue to cheer for him.
Shefali Jariwala, who has known Sidharth for two decades and was a part of Bigg Boss 13, echoes this sentiment. “It’s sad that he is not with us anymore, but he still lives in our hearts and memories. His fandom is so huge that we constantly see him through his fans on social media. They keep putting up his pictures and videos, which make us feel that he is still around us. Sidharth won many hearts with the good work that he has done. It’s very difficult to imagine that he is not here, and sometimes I go blank just thinking about it, because I still haven’t come to terms with it,” says the actress, adding, “I hope Sidharth is in a better place wherever he is. He will be happy to see that he has such loving fans and friends, who have kept him alive in their memories. I am sure he is smiling down upon us.”
Shefali, who knew Sidharth since her college days, shares, “I have not had an opportunity to work with him, but I have known him since our college days, which is 20 years. One thing about him is that he never changed in all these years. He was always fun-loving, dynamic, charming and a large-hearted guy, and he loved his friends a lot. He was a yaaron ka yaar.”
Going down memory lane, Shefali recounts the time when they first met. “That was when I was in Class XI or XII during an inter-college festival. He was pursuing Architecture and I was pursuing Science. There was a tragedy that had happened in both our lives — we had lost our best friends due to different reasons — and that’s how we connected. Back then, I didn’t know how to travel by train and he used to guide me on how to go from point A to point B. We lost touch some time later, but reconnected again when we both were modelling. We even dated for a brief period, but then we grew apart. However, we were always cordial when we met at any award function or event. And then we met in the Bigg Boss house three years ago and hit it off again.”
Shefali Jariwala trains her house help to acquire a new skill set - driving
8:02 AM
Neha Maheshwri (BOMBAY TIMES; March 12, 2022)
One of Shefali Jariwala’s long-standing desires has been to hire a lady driver. However, when she failed to find one, she took the onus on herself to train one. She enrolled her house help of 15 years, Rekha Mujmule (42 years), in a driving class. Shefali shares, “I don’t agree with the notion that women aren’t as equipped as their male counterparts when it comes to driving. I drive and I strongly believe that female drivers are a lot more patient, focused and law-abiding. In fact, I was looking to hire a female driver for a long time, but failed to get one. Rekha seemed interested in learning to drive, and so I thought of enrolling her in a driving school. She manages my home in my absence and takes charge of everything. So, why not take charge of the car, too? That was the beginning of it all.”
Shefali further adds, “Last August, we enrolled her in a driving school. It took her around four months to learn basic driving. She later applied for a driving licence and procured it after clearing the test in December.”
Today, Shefali can’t think of anyone but Rekha to drive her around. “Though she is shy, I insist on her driving me whenever I have to run errands. I am sure she will become more confident with time and will take other people around, too. The intention was to make her financially more secure and independent. I feel people are a lot apprehensive about hiring a lady driver. I hope that one day our society is more accepting of female drivers. I feel that strong women should uplift and empower other women. I am grateful for being in a position to give a helping hand and encourage another woman. I would love to see more women taking up jobs that are usually for men. Here’s to breaking gender stereotypes,” she concludes.
I didn’t work much after Kaanta Laga because I suffered from epilepsy seizures-Shefali Jariwala
3:50 PM
Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; December 6, 2021)
Many actors have spoken about battling mental health problems in recent times and the latest to share her experiences on the subject is Shefali Jariwala. The actress, who became popular as the Kaanta Laga girl when the music video released in 2002, was not seen in too many projects post that. In an exclusive chat, Shefali shares the reason why she went missing post the success of the song.
She says, “I had an epilepsy seizure at the age of 15. I remember at that time I was under tremendous pressure to do well in my studies. Stress and anxiety can lead to seizures. It’s interrelated, you could get a seizure due to depression and vice versa. I have got seizures in classrooms, backstage, while on roads, and somewhere that lowered my self-esteem.”
Speaking about why she didn't take up work after the Kaanta Laga music video, she says, “After I did Kaanta Laga, people asked me why I didn’t do more work. I can now say that it was because of the epilepsy seizures that I couldn’t take up much work. I didn't know when I would get my next seizure… this went on for 15 years. Today, I am seizure-free for nine years. I am proud of myself because I managed my depression, panic attacks and anxiety naturally and with the help of a strong support system. ”
Talking about how she has stayed positive during the pandemic, the actress shares, “The pandemic situation has been tough, but I have consciously worked on my mental health and stayed away from any kind of things that could trigger depression. I focussed on doing meditation, yoga, sketching, drawing and other things that kept me happy. Exercise and some positive lifestyle changes helped me a lot.”
Shefali, who is married to actor Parag Tyagi, was seen in Bigg Boss 13 two years ago, which brought her back into the limelight. Now, she wants to focus on doing some good work across different mediums.
Neha Bhasin hits out at age-shaming in Bigg Boss
8:12 AM
How does it matter if a person is 20 or 40, asks the singer
Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; October 13, 2021)
Neha Bhasin, who was recently seen in Bigg Boss OTT (BB OTT), has been following Bigg Boss 15 (BB 15). She even put up a post on social media recently supporting Shamita Shetty and Pratik Sehajpal, her BB OTT co-contestants. Neha said, “I see the show in bits and pieces, and sometimes my fan pages tag me on some things. I am in touch with Shamita’s mother, too. I keep myself updated on what's happening in Bigg Boss 15.”
Referring to the age-shaming that seems to be rampant on the show, the singer said, “Firstly, we are told that we are all equal in the show. So, it shouldn’t matter whether a person is 20 or 40. But people’s ages are regularly brought up. I feel that age shaming happens more to women than men. I saw Shamita getting age shamed on BB OTT. People would call her chachi and say that she was old enough to be their mother. In BB 15, she was called aunty by Karan Kundrra. There are others who say such things as well.”
Neha added, “I don’t appreciate such ageshaming comments, which is why I addressed the issue on my social media handle. Even when I had come out of the BB OTT house, I was called aunty, daadi, buddhi, tharki, etc. Why would anyone use such words to age shame me? When we were kids, we would address our elders as uncle and aunty out of respect.”
So, what did she think of Pratik’s game on the show? “Everyone told me that Pratik mellowed down in BB OTT because of me, so I guess audiences should enjoy watching him being aggressive on BB 15. I suppose people want to see him that way. Having said that, I also feel that he is getting bullied on the show currently. BB OTT contestants were sent as troublemakers (sankat) for the new contestants living in a jungle set-up. So, he’s just doing his job. But one against 13 people is a little unfair. I do feel bad for him, but in BB, one has to play on the front foot, especially when everyone is against them,” she said.
For those unversed, Shamita and Pratik had a tiff on BB 15 given their different ways of handling situations. Neha, who is a friend to both, said, “Even in BB OTT, they didn’t get along at the beginning. Later, when I was Pratik’s connection, they started talking. I was the common link, which is why they were somehow cordial to each other. I don’t think they ever got along then as well, and their differences now don’t surprise me at all. I also feel that the new contestants are playing Shamita and she hasn’t realised that yet.”
-------------------
CONTESTANTS WHO WERE AGE-SHAMED IN BIGG BOSS HOUSE
SIDHARTH SHUKLA
Winner of Bigg Boss 13, late Sidharth Shukla may have been the most popular contestant, but even he was age-shamed. Mahira Sharma, after a fight with Sidharth, called him ‘buddha’. She received serious backlash for her comment.
EIJAZ KHAN
In season 14, Eijaz was age-shamed. On one occasion, during a task, Rahul Vaidya commented on his age saying, “Bhaago mat, umar ke liye achcha nahi hai (Don't run, it’s not good for your age).”
SONALI PHOGAT
Bigg Boss 14 contestant Sonali Phogat, who was also age-shamed on the show, later in an interview, said, “I don’t understand this. If I have aged, does that mean I can’t work in the industry?”
KASHMERA SHAH
Kashmera, who was a guest on Bigg Boss 13, got into arguments with co-contestant Nikki Tamboli for various reasons. Later, during one of the nominations, Nikki took Kashmera’s name and said that she did not reply to the latter’s comments as she respects her because of her age. Kashmera didn’t like the fact that Nikki made a comment about her age while nominating her and also broke down into tears after the incident.
SHEFALI JARIWALA
Paras Chhabra and Shefali Jariwala did not get along in the Bigg Boss 13 house. The former age-shamed her by calling her a cougar, after which Shefali’s husband Parag Tyagi slammed Paras on social media and Gauahar Khan, too, supported him.
Sidharth Shukla was a very private person; making a spectacle of his passing was really disturbing-Shefali Jariwala
8:25 AM
Juhi Chakraborty (HINDUSTAN TIMES; September 10, 2021)
Like his other friends, Sidharth Shukla’s sudden death came as an absolute shocker for Shefali Jariwala, who says she is still in disbelief. “The passing of a friend and something that we did not expect at all has been difficult for me. It has been a shocker and it still hasn’t sunk in actually,” she admits.
Shukla’s untimely death has also been a rude shock to his rumoured girlfriend, Shehnaaz Gill. “Shehnaaz is a strong woman. She will get through it,” says Jariwala, who participated with both Gill and Shukla on a reality show.
“Even Sidharth’s mother and his sisters are really strong. Normally, a mother would be inconsolable, but she was holding it together. They all have each other and they will get through it. I just pray that they have the strength to cope with this loss,” the actor hopes.
Jariwala, who had earlier dated Shukla, was angry to see how people were hounding his family and Gill.
“At the funeral, it was a circus. I was so angry to see the way people hounded Shehnaaz. It was not right. Shehnaaz and his mother and sisters are grieving. You have to give them the space and privacy to do so. Sidharth was a very private person, as so is his mother; making such a spectacle of his passing was really disturbing to see. It is not something that he would have wanted,” says the 38-year-old.
Along with Jariwala, other participants of the reality show were also present to support Shukla’s family, including Asim Riaz and Rashami Desai.
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.”
Online platforms are offering a host of celebrities to share personalised messages
8:14 AM
From wishing your loved ones to telling your boss that you want to quit, online platforms are offering a host of celebrities to share personalised messages
Kunal Guha (MUMBAI MIRROR; August 30, 2020)
Every year, Melbourne-based twins Navdeep and Avdeep Munjal make it a point to visit their mother Rekha in Delhi on her birthday which falls on July 7. This year, when the Coronavirus pandemic wreaked havoc on their travel plans, the twins chanced upon a unique birthday gift — getting their mother’s favourite TV star Rohit Roy to wish her on their behalf. The 60-year-old was deeply moved when she received a short video from the Swabhimaan star. The message, which landed in her inbox out of the blue, was not only about how much her sons missed her, but the actor even told her that she needs to take care of herself. The Munjals managed to make their mum’s special day unforgettable through Celebyte, an online platform, which offers many celebrity engagement packages.
And today, when most continue to remain self-isolated for fear of contracting the Coronavirus, this form of levity that comes with some semblance of connection with one’s idols, is really a pitch-perfect offering. For a predetermined rate (anything from Rs 500 to Rs 50,000), a fan can get a celebrity of his or her choice to send a personalised video message to a loved one (typically, birthday or anniversary wishes), get on a video call, reply to a text, or slide into their DMs on Instagram. “While our customers want access, the celebs want to monetise their time on social media. We help facilitate this in a way that the friction is eliminated,” says Sanjay Tripathy, co-founder and CEO, Celebyte. His firm has also developed celeb-interaction apps for actors Riya Sen and Minissha Lamba and has garnered over three million users cumulatively across 14 apps.
Similar platforms such as Wysh, Gonuts, Tring, Unlu and Simsim Rubaru, too, are cashing in. From an assortment of TV actors (like Delnaaz Irani, Hiten Tejwani, Kiku Sharda) and film veterans (like Prem Chopra, Madhu Shah, Shakti Kapoor) to a plethora of Bigg Boss contestants (like Arshi Khan, Shefali Jariwala), impersonators (of Nana Patekar, Donald Trump) and TikTokers, everyone is just a click away.
Dial a celeb
Producing personalised video messages usually takes little preparation. Most are shot on the phone and filmed at breakfast tables, while lying in bed, or on film sets — whenever a celeb can spare a few minutes. While the promised turnaround time is from five to seven days, most try to honour requests within 24-48 hours. “We have surely benefited from people’s apprehensions about exchanging physical gifts,” says Mahesh Gogineni, co-founder of Wysh, which has grown 15 times since its launch in January. “There has also been no innovation in the digital gifting space for long, and since people are crazy about celebs, it’s a perfect match,” he adds.
Beyond birthdays
While getting a celeb to wish someone is a popular choice, many are opting for more creative reasons. For instance, an entrepreneur got ghazal singer Talat Aziz to shoot a heartfelt video for his father, thanking him for his sacrifices and asking him to keep faith in his son, despite his start-up’s relatively poor performance over the last two years. And to sweeten the deal, Aziz signed off with the recipient’s favourite ghazal. “We also had a head priest who wanted Kailash Kher to send a message out to devotees,” says Joji George, founder of Gonuts. “In April, we heard from someone from Varanasi who wrote a poem in honour of frontline health workers and wanted it to be read out by Kailash Kher.”
A unique request came from someone who was trying to resign from a job he had held for eight years. “He wanted Delnaaz [Irani] to speak to his boss and get the ball rolling before he could follow it up with a one-on-one,” says Rahul Saini, co-founder, Tring, which launched this March and lists over 1,800 celebrities.
The kickbacks
These platforms work on a revenue-sharing model. Hence arriving at the ‘right’ price is tricky. Stars need to score enough bookings at a modest price and yet, if they underbid themselves, they won’t be able to keep up.
That said, the big earners can make over a lakh a month. And for most, it is easy money, given the effort and time spent. “If a celeb charges Rs 1,000 for a 30-second-video message and does 30 such requests, he’s earning Rs 30,000 in 15 minutes. A TV star may not be able to make that much money in such a short period of time,” says Gogineni, who feels the demand from users can be extremely price sensitive. He gives the example of a celebrity, who charges Rs 999 for short videos on his platform, but Rs 1,500 on another platform. “Despite the marginal price difference, the star received 54 requests from my platform and only four on the other,” he says.
But there’s no fixed rule. Rohit Roy, who features on several platforms, bumped his rates up, but remains one of the most requested talents.
Saini says that 98 per cent of users on such platforms are not willing to pay more than Rs 2,000. “Those who are popular and demand a high price fall in a niche segment, but those who are popular and yet affordable comprise our cash cows,” says Saini.
Going forward, the demand for such a service is surely likely to surge, especially given that today being a celebrity casts a wide net. “This segment is still evolving. You will see more celebrities being a part of their fans’ highs and lows,” says Tripathy. The stars don’t mind either. It’s helpful to have another revenue stream when their own industry is still limping back to normal.
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)