Shefali Jariwala Biography
Shefali Jariwala (also known as Shefali Zariwala or “The Kaanta Laga Girl”) was an Indian actress, model, and television personality, best known for her breakout role in the 2002 music video Kaanta Laga. She was born on December 15, 1982, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and passed away on June 27, 2025, at the age of 42, due to a cardiac arrest in Mumbai.
Shefali completed her schooling at Jamnabai Narsee School in Mumbai and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Sardar Patel College of Engineering in 2005. Despite her academic background in tech, she pursued a career in entertainment, beginning with her iconic appearance in Kaanta Laga, which made her a household name across India.
She went on to appear in several other music videos, including Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar Remix and Pyaar Humein Kis Mod Pe Le Aaya. She made her Bollywood debut in 2004 with a small role in Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, starring Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar. She also performed an item number in the Kannada film Hudugaru (2011).
On television, Shefali participated in:
Boogie Woogie (2008)
Nach Baliye 5 (2012–2013) and Nach Baliye 7 (2015) with her husband
Bigg Boss 13 (2019–2020), where her presence and past relationship with Sidharth Shukla drew media attention
She also starred in the ALT Balaji web series Baby Come Naa (2018) opposite Shreyas Talpade.
Shefali was married to Harmeet Singh of the Meet Bros musical duo from 2004 to 2009. After their divorce, she married actor Parag Tyagi in 2014. She had no children.
Shefali was open about her health struggles, revealing she had suffered from epilepsy since age 15 and had battled depression and anxiety, which she managed through fitness and therapy.
At the time of her death, her estimated net worth was around ₹7.5 crore (approximately $900,000 USD). Her sudden passing shocked fans and the entertainment industry, with tributes pouring in from celebrities and admirers across India.
Shefali Jariwala Age
Shefali Jariwala was born on December 15, 1982, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. She passed away on June 27, 2025, in Mumbai at the age of 42.
She celebrated her 42nd birthday on December 15, 2024, just over six months before her untimely death. Her age at the time of passing was confirmed by multiple news outlets and biographical sources.
Shefali Jariwala Education
Shefali Jariwala completed her education in Mumbai, India. She attended Jamnabai Narsee School, one of the city’s most prestigious private schools, where she completed her primary and secondary education.
After high school, she pursued higher education in the field of technology. In 2005, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology (IT) from Sardar Patel College of Engineering, Mumbai. Some sources also refer to her degree as a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Information Technology, reflecting the technical rigor of her academic background.
Despite her formal training in IT, Shefali chose to enter the entertainment industry, where she gained national fame through music videos, films, and television appearances. Her education in a technical field was often cited as an example of her versatility and intellect, especially during her time on reality shows like Bigg Boss 13.
Shefali Jariwala Religion
Shefali Jariwala was born into a Hindu family in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. Her father, Satish Jariwala, was a businessman, and her mother, Sunita Jariwala, worked for the State Bank of India (SBI). She was raised in a culturally rooted Hindu household and followed Hinduism throughout her life.
While she did not frequently speak about her religious beliefs in public, her upbringing and family background reflected traditional Hindu values. She participated in Indian festivals and rituals, and her marriage ceremonies were conducted according to Hindu customs.
Shefali Jariwala Net Worth
At the time of her passing in June 2025, Shefali Jariwala’s net worth was estimated at approximately $1 million USD, which is roughly ₹7.5 crore INR.
Her income came from a variety of sources throughout her career:
Music Videos: She gained instant fame with the 2002 hit Kaanta Laga, which led to several other music video appearances.
Film Roles: She had a cameo in Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004) and performed in regional films like Hudugaru.
Reality Television: She was a contestant on Nach Baliye 5 and 7 with her husband Parag Tyagi, and later appeared on Bigg Boss 13, which significantly boosted her popularity and earnings.
Web Series: She starred in Baby Come Naa on ALT Balaji.
Brand Endorsements and Public Appearances: She earned through sponsored content and collaborations, particularly on social media platforms like Instagram.
Though her net worth was modest compared to Bollywood A-listers, Shefali built a stable and diverse career over two decades. Her real legacy, as many fans and tributes noted, was her resilience, charm, and ability to reinvent herself across platforms.
Shefali Jariwala Husband
Shefali Jariwala was married to Parag Tyagi, an Indian television and film actor, from 2014 until her passing in 2025. Their relationship was widely admired for its strength, affection, and public warmth.
Parag Tyagi was born in Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh, and is known for his roles in popular Indian TV shows such as Pavitra Rishta, Jodha Akbar, Brahmarakshas, and Shakti – Astitva Ke Ehsaas Ki. He also appeared in Bollywood films like A Wednesday! (2008) and Sarkar 3 (2017), and in Telugu cinema, including Agnyaathavaasi (2018) alongside Pawan Kalyan.
Shefali and Parag met at a mutual friend’s dinner party shortly after her divorce from her first husband, Harmeet Singh of the musical duo Meet Bros. Initially cautious, Shefali eventually embraced the relationship, and the couple dated for four years before marrying in August 2014.
They appeared together on reality shows like Nach Baliye 5 and Nach Baliye 7, where their chemistry and emotional connection won over audiences. Parag also made a guest appearance on Bigg Boss 13 to support Shefali during her time on the show.
The couple did not have children, though Shefali had expressed a desire to adopt a baby girl. Parag was by her side during her final moments and was seen heartbroken at the hospital and during her funeral rites.
Shefali Jariwala Children
Shefali Jariwala did not have any biological children, but she had long expressed a deep desire to adopt a baby girl—a dream that, sadly, remained unfulfilled at the time of her passing in June 2025.
She first spoke publicly about her wish to adopt in interviews following her appearance on Bigg Boss 13 in 2019–2020. She revealed that the idea of adoption had been close to her heart since she was around 10 to 12 years old, when she first understood the concept. She described it as a “beautiful” and “brave” decision, especially in a culture where adoption is often stigmatized or misunderstood.
Initially, her husband Parag Tyagi was hesitant about the idea, but Shefali said that her time away in the Bigg Boss house gave both of them space to reflect. After the show, they began discussing the possibility seriously with their families. Parag’s family was reportedly supportive, while Shefali’s parents were still coming to terms with the decision.
She also spoke about the legal and emotional complexities of adoption in India, including background checks, counseling, and extensive paperwork. Despite these hurdles, she remained committed to the idea and hoped to give a child a loving home.
Her story touched many, especially those who saw her as a role model for challenging societal norms around motherhood and family.
Shefali Jariwala Social Media Followers
As of June 2025, Shefali Jariwala had a strong presence across major social media platforms, with the following follower counts:
Instagram: 3.38 million followers
Facebook: 4.9 million followers
X (formerly Twitter): 135,000 followers
She used her platforms to share personal moments, professional updates, fashion shoots, and advocacy for mental health and adoption. Her final post on X was a tribute to her late Bigg Boss 13 co-contestant and former partner, Sidharth Shukla.
Shefali Jariwala Achievements
Shefali Jariwala’s achievements spanned music, television, film, and personal advocacy, making her one of the most recognizable and admired figures in Indian pop culture. Here is a full account of her accomplishments:
Breakthrough in Music Videos
Rose to national fame in 2002 with the remix music video Kaanta Laga, which became a cultural phenomenon and earned her the nickname “The Kaanta Laga Girl.”
The video’s success made her an overnight sensation and a defining face of India’s early 2000s remix era.
Appeared in other hit music videos such as Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar Remix and Maal Bhari Aahe – DJ Hot Remix.
Film Career
Made her Bollywood debut in Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), starring Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Priyanka Chopra.
Acted in the Kannada film Hudugaru (2011), a remake of the Tamil hit Naadodigal, where she played the role of Pankaja.
Television and Web Series
Participated in Nach Baliye 5 (2012–2013) and Nach Baliye 7 (2015) with her husband Parag Tyagi, showcasing her dancing skills and chemistry.
Competed in Bigg Boss 13 (2019–2020) as a wild card contestant, where she gained renewed popularity and connected with a younger audience.
Starred in the ALT Balaji web series Baby Come Naa (2018) opposite Shreyas Talpade, playing the lead role of Sarah.
Academic Achievement
Earned a Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) in Information Technology from Sardar Patel College of Engineering, Mumbai, proving her intellectual depth alongside her entertainment career.
Health Advocacy and Personal Resilience
Openly discussed her lifelong battle with epilepsy, having suffered her first seizure at age 15.
Advocated for mental health awareness, sharing her experiences with depression and anxiety, and credited fitness and therapy for helping her manage both.
Inspired many by speaking candidly about her desire to adopt a child, challenging social norms around motherhood and family.
Cultural Impact
Her Kaanta Laga video remains one of the most iconic music videos in Indian pop history.
She became a symbol of early 2000s youth culture and later reinvented herself as a mature, thoughtful public figure.
Maintained a loyal fan base across generations, with millions of followers on social media.
Shefali Jariwala’s legacy is one of reinvention, courage, and authenticity. She broke into the industry as a music video star and evolved into a respected actress, reality TV personality, and mental health advocate.
