Television star Shefali Jariwala, best known as the Kaanta Laga Girl, celebrated her birthday on December 15. In an exclusive interview with The Free Press Journal, Shefali looked back on her career, reflecting on the past year and sharing her gratitude for the blessings in her life. She spoke about her journey from “Kaanta Laga” to now, highlighting key moments and her growth both personally and professionally. Shefali also teased exciting upcoming projects, including roles in three web shows. She shared her experience on Bigg Boss 13, where she gained confidence by showing her true self. Known for her sense of humour, Shefali gave a light-hearted take on the paparazzi, saying she doesn’t mind being clicked from behind, as she is proud of her hard work. Excerpts:
Q: Happy belated birthday, Shefali! How did you celebrate this special day and reflect on the year gone by?
A: As I celebrate another birthday, I find myself deeply reflecting on the countless blessings that have shaped my journey over the years. I feel overwhelmed with gratitude.
Q: As you look back on your journey from ‘Kaanta Laga’ to now, what are the key moments that stand out for you?
A: My life after Kaanta Laga has been nothing less than a fairy tale. It’s like a fairy godmother waved her magic wand and changed my life forever. A simple middle-class Gujarati academic girl turned into an overnight national sensation. A million girls would have dreamed this, and I feel so lucky. That was my key moment, my calling, my life path. Over the years, instead of following trends, being authentic and real has been my strength. That resonates with the audience and has helped me remain relevant.
Q: This year has been a reflective one for you. What have you learned about yourself, both personally and professionally?
A: This year, I’ve reached a level of maturity where I’ve learned that reacting to everything is not necessary. I’ve learned to sit back and observe. Over the years, I’ve realized that self-control is strength. It’s important not to allow others to control the direction of my life. You can’t let your emotions overpower your intelligence. Professionally, I’m constantly working to enhance my skills, but I also feel the need to give back to this wonderful community and support others in their growth, paying forward the help and encouragement I’ve received. This has helped me evolve into a more fulfilled human being and a better artist.
Q: You’ve been exploring new avenues in the entertainment industry. Can you share any exciting upcoming projects we can look forward to?
A: There’s so much to look forward to. I’m fortunate to be part of an industry where women are thriving. People have started seeing beyond my glamorous image, and I’m being offered roles that would have been risky before. So many opportunities have opened up for artists to express themselves, and it’s encouraging. I recently did my first-ever TV show, which taught me how to perform under immense pressure. I’ve also finished shooting for three web shows, where I’ve played complex characters. While I can’t reveal too much, I’m excited to see the audience’s reaction when they’re released. Professionally, I feel my best is still to come. After over two decades in the entertainment business, I’ve learned that my journey is not a sprint but a marathon. The possibilities are endless, and I’m here to stay!
Q: Your appearance on Bigg Boss 13 was quite memorable. How did that experience change your perspective on fame and reality television?
A: Fame came to me much before Bigg Boss, and my middle-class upbringing kept me grounded when I was young and naive. Bigg Boss happened much later, and by then, I had matured, so handling fame was not an issue. I got an opportunity to show everyone the real me, beyond the glamorous image I had. My audience appreciated that, and it made me more confident. I got my mojo back. Being honest and real helped me build an engaging and meaningful relationship with my audience. I’m a better performer today because the audience can relate to me. That’s what makes me unique, along with my two decades of experience. And I’m making the most of it!
Q: You’ve always had a great sense of humor, especially with your take on photographers clicking female actors from behind. Has your perspective on the media changed over the years?
A: I’m a woman with strong opinions, and with a dash of humor, I manage to voice my thoughts without offending anyone. The paparazzi culture is very strong today, and they really contribute to keeping me relevant. We’ve built a great relationship, and there’s mutual respect between us. I’m also comfortable with my body and always dress appropriately, so there’s no conflict there. However, if there were ever a malfunction or an unpleasant situation, I have full faith in my media friends to watch my back.
Q: As you reflect on the year, what’s one accomplishment you’re especially proud of?
A: I’ve started to pace myself nowadays, not worrying too much about the urgency of reaching my goals. Instead, I focus on enjoying the journey. Celebrating being healthy, joyful, and living a fulfilling life is a major milestone. That’s something to be proud of, right?
