Parag Tyagi emotional as he shares Shefali Jariwala's Kanjak Puja video
Synopsis
Four months after losing his wife Shefali Jariwala to a sudden cardiac arrest, actor Parag Tyagi broke down on Durga Ashtami sharing a throwback of her performing Kanjak Puja — a quietly devastating post that shows how deeply India's 'Kaanta Laga' girl is still missed, both by her husband and by an entire generation of fans.
Key Takeaways
Parag Tyagi shared a throwback video of Shefali Jariwala performing Kanjak Puja on Durga Ashtami 2026 , expressing deep emotion.
Shefali Jariwala passed away on 27 June 2025 at age 42 after a sudden cardiac arrest in Mumbai .
The video shows Shefali in traditional attire, touching the feet of young girls during the Navratri ritual.
Parag's caption referenced both Shefali (nicknamed 'Pari' ) and their late pet dog Simba , who died in July 2025 .
The couple married on 12 August 2014 ; Parag proposed on reality show Nach Baliye 5 .
Actor Parag Tyagi broke down emotionally on Durga Ashtami 2026 as he shared a heartfelt throwback video of his late wife, actress Shefali Jariwala, performing Kanjak Puja during Navratri festivities at their Mumbai home. The post, shared on Instagram, offered a rare and tender glimpse into the couple's shared traditions — and underscored the grief Parag continues to carry nearly four months after Shefali's sudden passing.
The Throwback Video
In the footage, Shefali is seen dressed in a traditional suit, seated before a group of young girls as part of the Kanjak Puja ritual — a ceremony during Navratri in which young girls are revered as embodiments of Goddess Durga. She can be seen touching their feet to seek their blessings, a deeply devotional gesture that resonated widely with fans. The video also features snippets from the couple's Durga Ashtami celebrations across multiple years, with their pet dog, Simba, making a brief appearance.
Parag's Message of Love and Hope
Alongside the video, Parag wrote: 'Pari aur Simba har saal ki tarah next year Navratri Manayenge aur maa ka aashirwad lenge. Happy Durga Ashtami. Love you so much my life lines meri Pari aur Simba.' The post reflected his hope of honouring Navratri in Shefali's memory going forward, as well as the comfort he drew from Simba — a bond that would itself end with the dog's death in July 2025.
Shefali Jariwala: A Career and a Legacy
Shefali Jariwala, popularly remembered as the 'Kaanta Laga' girl for her iconic appearance in the chart-topping music video of the same name, carved a distinctive niche in Indian pop culture. She later participated in reality television, most notably on Bigg Boss 13. Her warmth, authenticity, and on-screen charisma earned her a loyal following that has continued to mourn her loss.
A Sudden Loss at 42
Shefali passed away on 27 June 2025 at the age of 42 after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest in Mumbai. Parag rushed her to hospital, but she was declared dead on arrival. The news sent shockwaves through the entertainment fraternity. The couple had been together since meeting at a mutual friend's gathering, with Parag famously proposing to Shefali on national television during the dance reality show Nach Baliye 5. They married on 12 August 2014 in an intimate ceremony.
Grief Shared Publicly
Since Shefali's death, Parag has regularly turned to social media to revisit cherished memories — a pattern of public mourning that has drawn empathy from fans and fellow artists alike. When Simba died in July 2025, Parag shared another old video featuring both Shefali and the dog, writing: 'Now mamma is not alone Simba is v happy with mamma.. Can't wait to join u both (my life lines), on the other side.' The loss of both his wife and his pet within weeks left him visibly bereft. His Durga Ashtami post suggests that faith and memory remain his primary anchors as he navigates grief.
Point of View
Where intimacy is shared in real time with millions. The fact that he lost both Shefali and Simba within weeks, and continues to frame their memory as his reason to go on, speaks to a rawness that celebrity grief rarely shows. What mainstream coverage often misses here is the compounding nature of his loss: partner and companion, almost simultaneously. The attention this post received also signals how durably Shefali Jariwala's cultural footprint has held — nearly 25 years after 'Kaanta Laga', an entire digital generation is meeting her for the first time through her husband's grief.
NationPress
18 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Shefali Jariwala and why is she remembered?
Shefali Jariwala was an Indian actress and model best known for her appearance in the hit music video 'Kaanta Laga', which made her a pop culture icon in early 2000s India. She also appeared on the reality show Bigg Boss 13 and was married to actor Parag Tyagi.
How did Shefali Jariwala die?
Shefali Jariwala passed away on 27 June 2025 at the age of 42 after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest in Mumbai. Her husband Parag Tyagi rushed her to hospital, but she was declared dead on arrival.
What did Parag Tyagi post on Durga Ashtami 2026?
Parag Tyagi shared a throwback video on Instagram showing Shefali performing Kanjak Puja during Navratri at their home, dressed in traditional attire and touching the feet of young girls as part of the ritual. He captioned it with a message of love addressed to Shefali and their late pet dog Simba.
What is Kanjak Puja?
Kanjak Puja is a Navratri ritual observed on Ashtami or Navami in which young girls — believed to be embodiments of Goddess Durga — are invited home, worshipped, fed, and gifted. Touching their feet to seek blessings is a core part of the ceremony.
When did Parag Tyagi and Shefali Jariwala get married?
Parag Tyagi and Shefali Jariwala married on 12 August 2014 in an intimate ceremony. Parag had proposed to Shefali on national television during the dance reality show Nach Baliye 5.
