Shefali Jariwala, the actress known for her "Kaanta Laga" music video and her participation in Bigg Boss 13, had openly shared her desire to adopt a baby girl with her husband, Parag Tyagi. This dream, nurtured since childhood, gained significant momentum during her time on the reality show Bigg Boss 13, where she had ample time to reflect on her future and family plans.
Jariwala's aspiration to adopt was not a fleeting thought but a deeply held conviction. She revealed that since the age of 10 or 12, she had been drawn to the idea of providing a home and a loving family to a child in need. In an interview, she stated, "Adoption is something I wanted to do as I find the thought very beautiful. I was first introduced to it when I was 10 or 12, at a very impressionable age. I have carried it since then".
Her decision was further inspired by Sunny Leone's choice to adopt a baby girl. Jariwala expressed how Leone's act deeply moved her and reinforced her own desire to adopt. After marrying Parag Tyagi in 2014, she discussed her wish to adopt when they started considering having a family.
However, Jariwala acknowledged that it took time for Tyagi to fully understand and embrace her emotions regarding adoption. She explained that since adoption was a significant decision, it was crucial for both of them to be on the same page. "Parag couldn't understand my emotions for a long time," she shared. "My time in the Bigg Boss 13 house got him thinking about having a family".
Tyagi eventually came around and supported Jariwala's decision wholeheartedly. In an interview, Jariwala recounted Tyagi's supportive words: "Whether you give birth to a child or bring him/her home, it will be your decision, and I will always support you". He recognized her deep desire to become a mother and stood by her choice.
Despite Tyagi's support, Jariwala revealed that her parents were still in the process of accepting the decision. She understood that adoption can be a sensitive topic, and societal pressures often lead to questions about why a couple wouldn't choose to have their own biological children. Jariwala, however, was determined to challenge this stigma and demonstrate that love and care, not genetics, define a family.
Jariwala was also candid about the challenges and complexities of the adoption process in India. She described it as a lengthy and tedious procedure involving extensive paperwork, authority checks, counselling, and family scrutiny. She noted that the legal and technical aspects could be emotionally taxing and that the process could take up to four years. The COVID-19 pandemic further complicated and delayed their plans, leaving them emotionally drained.
In spite of these hurdles, Shefali Jariwala remained optimistic and hopeful that she would eventually bring a child into her life and provide her with a loving and secure home. She emphasized that her desire to adopt stemmed from a wish to share the blessings she had received and give a deserving child a good education and a beautiful life. She believed that "It's not about blood, it's about love".
Shefali Jariwala passed away on June 27 at the age of 42.
