'He was a family member': Shefali Jariwala's friend reveals why husband Parag took dog out after her death

Just hours after the sudden passing of actress Shefali Jariwala last month, a video emerged showing her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, taking their pet dog for a walk. The footage rapidly spread across social media, drawing harsh criticism. Many online users accused Parag of being emotionally detached and failing to show proper grief. Some even labelled him as heartless for appearing in public so soon after the tragedy. However, actor Paras Chhabra, who shared a close friendship with both Shefali and Parag, has spoken out to shed light on the circumstances and provide context to the viral clip.

In a conversation with IANS, Paras addressed the backlash and expressed concern over the public's judgment. He highlighted the importance of understanding the emotional burden Parag was carrying, especially in the wake of losing not just a partner, but a significant part of his life. Paras explained that Shefali had an exceptionally strong bond with their dog, and with her gone, Parag's attachment and duty towards the pet naturally deepened. The three of them had formed a tight-knit household, and the sudden loss had left a gaping void.

According to Paras, the dog wasn’t just a pet—it was a beloved family member. Losing Shefali meant Parag was now trying to stay even closer to their dog, as a way of holding onto the life they had built together. Paras shared that this response stemmed from a mix of fear, grief, and longing. He noted that outsiders might misread Parag’s actions, but as someone who knew them intimately, he could understand the complex emotional layers. Adding to this, the dog is elderly and partially blind, which only amplifies Parag’s responsibilities.

Paras, a former Bigg Boss 13 contestant, also emphasized the emotional intelligence of animals. He explained that dogs are incredibly perceptive and are often the first to detect when something is amiss. In this case, Shefali’s absence was deeply felt by the pet, who appeared visibly affected by her death. Paras suggested that the dog’s sorrow was evident, further underscoring the emotional weight Parag was carrying while trying to provide comfort to their aging companion.

Shefali Jariwala rose to fame in the early 2000s with her iconic appearance in the hit remix video Kaanta Laga, which earned her nationwide recognition as the “Kaanta Laga Girl.” She later appeared in Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, starring Salman Khan, and became a popular figure in the world of reality television, participating in Nach Baliye alongside Parag and later in Bigg Boss 13.

Shefali tragically passed away on June 27. Though an official confirmation on the exact cause of death is still awaited, preliminary reports point toward a possible cardiac arrest linked to self-medication and unsupervised anti-ageing treatments. Authorities are currently examining the composition and dosage of the IV drip and medication she had taken as part of their ongoing investigation.