Thong, No Wrong: Shefali Jariwala Was Fearless, Unapologetic & Ahead Of Her Time

The sudden demise of actress-model Shefali Jariwala on June 28 has left the entertainment industry and her fans in deep shock. She was just 42. Initially reported as a cardiac arrest, the cause of her death is still unknown, as confirmed by Mumbai Police. Speculations are rife, suggesting a sudden drop in blood pressure or possible complications related to anti-ageing injections.

But beyond the tragic circumstances of her death, Shefali’s life and career tell a story of rebellion, bold choices, and a legacy that rewrote the rulebook for actresses in India.

The Kaanta Laga phenomenon

In 2002, Shefali stormed into the limelight with the remix of Kaanta Laga by DJ Doll. The video, directed by Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, didn’t just become a hit but it sparked a cultural shift. Clad in a metallic black crop top, low-rise jeans, a shimmery blue tie, a blue thong and sporting a huge tattoo on an arm (a big deal at the time), Shefali brought an unapologetic edge to the Indian pop scene. Her bold eye makeup, midriff-baring outfit, and fearless dance moves created a style that many young women instantly tried to replicate.

It wouldn't be wrong to say that in an era long before Instagram trends and viral reels, Shefali’s look, from her outfit to her tattoo, became iconic. She was dubbed the 'Kaanta Laga girl', a label that stayed with her for life, and she embraced it with pride.

How Shefali became an overnight star

Shefali was just another engineering student in Mumbai when she was spotted outside college by directors Radhika and Vinay. What followed was a life-altering opportunity. Speaking to The Times of India, Shefali had once said, “I was in college then and I come from a family of academicians, so my parents told me to focus on my studies. But I wanted to do it because I was getting paid for it. I earned Rs 7,000 from that song, and I wanted to see myself on TV.”

Convincing her parents wasn’t easy. “My father was completely against it. So first, I took my mom into confidence and then, we both convinced my father. And that song turned out to be such a hit that it was like a fairytale for me. It changed my life completely,” Shefali had said.

Fearless, unapologetic, ahead of her time

In late 1990s and early 2000s, when music videos in India were dominated by safe, wholesome vibes, think Falguni Pathak’s sugary, clean-cut and family-friendly melodies, Shefali chose something entirely different. Her decision to feature in a bold remix video was a risk few would take back then. But the audience responded with admiration. Shefali had dared to challenge the conventional image of a woman onscreen and came out victorious. Her unapologetically sensual appearance disrupted the norm. 

Following the massive success of Kaanta Laga, Shefali featured in another remix video titled Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar in 2003, which was also well-received. She wasn't just performing, she was making a statement. Shefali had, in fact, become a sensation, a trendsetter who didn’t care about fitting in. She didn’t conform to the image others wanted her to uphold. She was bold, authentic, and unafraid of judgement. The actress chose to stand out, and the industry couldn’t help but take notice.

More than a tag: A symbol of audacity

While some may argue that Shefali was typecast, her choices early in her career speak volumes about her courage. In a conservative time, she celebrated sensuality and individuality. She showed India what it meant to own your identity, even if it came with criticism. Her name may be eternally linked to Kaanta Laga, but her legacy is much larger - it's one of grit, boldness, and staying true to oneself.

Shefali's sudden passing is a heartbreaking loss. But in the echo of every remix beat, every throwback photo, and every tattoo proudly worn in the 2000s, her spirit lives on. She wasn’t just the Kaanta Laga girl. She was a revolution in low-rise jeans.

Bollywood cameo and Bigg Boss chapter

Shefali later made a brief but memorable appearance in the 2004 film Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, starring Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar. She played a character named Bijli, whose entrance was marked with the Kaanta Laga track. Akshay had even danced with her in the scene, celebrating her pop culture icon status.

In 2019, she participated in Bigg Boss 13, where her past was often brought up. In a resurfaced clip from the show, fellow contestant Paras Chhabra asked her if she was ever tired of being called the Kaanta Laga girl. With a smile, she responded, “Never. There can only be one Kaanta Laga girl in the whole world, and that is me. I love it. And I want to be known as the Kaanta Laga girl till the day I die.”