Parag Tyagi opens up on pet Simba's role in healing after Shefali Jariwala's death
Synopsis
Parag Tyagi has opened up about how his pet dog Simba became a lifeline after his wife Shefali Jariwala's sudden cardiac death in June 2025. Rather than viewing Simba as merely his source of healing, Tyagi describes a reciprocal bond of unconditional love — two grieving souls helping each other find peace in shared loss.
Key Takeaways
Actor Parag Tyagi credits his pet dog Simba with providing emotional support following his wife Shefali Jariwala's death on 27 June 2025 .
Shefali Jariwala , the "Kaanta Laga girl," died at age 42 after reportedly suffering cardiac arrest at her Mumbai residence.
Tyagi emphasised that Simba was treated as family, with Shefali often saying she wished the dog had been born from her.
Tyagi described the healing as mutual — he and Simba helped each other through grief via unconditional love and body-language communication.
Tyagi has remained vocal about his enduring love for Shefali since her untimely death.
Actor Parag Tyagi has spoken candidly about how his pet dog Simba became an anchor of emotional support following the sudden death of his wife, actress Shefali Jariwala, in June 2025. In an exclusive conversation, Tyagi described their bond as transcending the conventional pet-owner relationship, framing Simba as a family member and source of mutual healing during an extraordinarily difficult period.
The bond beyond ownership
Tyagi emphasised that Shefali cherished Simba deeply, often saying, "Simba, why weren't you born from my stomach?" — a testament to how integral the dog was to their household. The actor stressed that their connection went far deeper than companionship, rooted in genuine familial affection.
Mutual healing through unconditional love
When asked whether Simba helped him emotionally during this phase, Tyagi acknowledged the dog's physical presence and affection mattered profoundly. However, he reframed the narrative: he did not view Simba merely as a vehicle for his own healing. "His physical presence and touch definitely matter emotionally. But honestly, I have never looked at him simply as a source of healing because he himself was also going through emotional pain," Tyagi said. He explained that while he could articulate his grief verbally, Simba could not — and so he learned to read the dog's emotional state through body language. "Simba and I have healed each other with unconditional love. We have helped each other find peace," he added.
Background on Shefali Jariwala's death
Shefali Jariwala, widely recognised as the "Kaanta Laga girl" from the 2003 hit song, passed away on 27 June 2025 at the age of 42. She reportedly suffered cardiac arrest at her Mumbai residence and was rushed to a nearby hospital by Tyagi, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. The sudden loss sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and her fanbase.
Tyagi's ongoing tribute
Since Shefali's death, Tyagi has been vocal about his deep affection for her and the enduring legacy of their relationship. His openness about grieving alongside Simba offers a rare glimpse into how unconditional bonds — whether human or animal — can sustain us through irreversible loss.
Point of View
The recognition that his dog was also grieving, and healing as a two-way street. In an industry where loss is often packaged for consumption, his refusal to position Simba as merely instrumental to his recovery feels refreshingly human.
NationPress
1 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Shefali Jariwala pass away?
Shefali Jariwala died on 27 June 2025 at the age of 42 after reportedly suffering cardiac arrest at her Mumbai residence. She was rushed to a nearby hospital by her husband Parag Tyagi but was pronounced dead on arrival.
Who was Shefali Jariwala?
Shefali Jariwala was an actress widely recognised as the 'Kaanta Laga girl' from the 2003 hit Bollywood song of the same name. She had an active career in Indian entertainment spanning multiple decades.
How did Parag Tyagi's pet Simba help him after Shefali's death?
Parag Tyagi described Simba as a source of mutual emotional healing. While the dog's physical presence and affection mattered deeply, Tyagi emphasised that he and Simba healed each other through unconditional love, with Tyagi learning to understand the dog's emotions through body language.
What was the relationship between Parag Tyagi and Simba?
Parag Tyagi and his wife Shefali Jariwala treated Simba as a family member rather than merely a pet. Shefali would affectionately say she wished Simba had been born from her, reflecting how deeply the couple loved the dog.
