The late actress Shefali Jariwala, forever remembered as the iconic Kaanta Laga girl, once made a bold career-defining choice that defied her father’s wishes and launched her into stardom. In a resurfaced 2020 interview, Shefali revealed how she was spotted outside her engineering college by director duo Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, who offered her the now-legendary music video that would change her life forever.
🎬 A ₹7,000 Decision That Sparked Stardom
- At just 20 years old, Shefali was pursuing engineering when she was approached for the Kaanta Laga remix
- Despite coming from a conservative academic family, she accepted the offer, earning ₹7,000 for the shoot
- Her father was initially strongly opposed to the idea due to the video’s bold visuals
- She first convinced her mother, and together they persuaded her father to allow her to proceed
“I wanted to do it because I was getting paid for it. I earned ₹7,000 from that song, and I wanted to see myself on TV,” Shefali had said in the interview
🌟 From Reluctance to Recognition
The Kaanta Laga video, released in 2002, became a cultural phenomenon. Though it was considered provocative for its time, Shefali embraced the attention and used it as a springboard into the entertainment industry:
- Appeared in Bollywood film Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004)
- Participated in Nach Baliye 5 and Bigg Boss 13
- Made her digital debut with ALT Balaji’s Baby Come Naa
🕊️ A Legacy Remembered
Shefali’s recent passing at age 42 due to cardiac arrest has left fans mourning the loss of a trailblazer who dared to follow her dreams. Her story remains a testament to courage, conviction, and the power of one bold choice.
🔁 Share this article to celebrate Shefali Jariwala’s journey from student to star and the legacy of Kaanta Laga.
