'It Wasn't Easy': How 'Kaanta Laga Girl' Shefali Jariwala Broke Her Typecast Image

When we're born, we don't get to choose our facial features, skin tone, or body shape, these are gifts from nature. Yet, society often confines us to certain ideal standards. While much is said about the challenges faced by dark-skinned girls, the typecasting of fair-skinned women is also something that must be addressed. Shefali Jariwala, famously known as the Kaanta Laga Girl, sheds light on this, and more. 

In a conversation with SheThePeople, Shefali Jariwala opened up about her experiences of climbing up the ladder in an industry that can, sometimes, limit artists to a box. She reflected on how, after her bold song Kaanta Laga, she was predominantly offered roles that focused solely on glamour. She says, "It took me a very long time to break out of that, and now, it's only recently that I've started doing more work where I haven't been typecast into a certain bracket. Yes, there are pros and cons to everything, and there is one to being fair as well."

Shefali Jariwala On The Double-Edged Sword Of Fairness

The actor, who was also seen in the 13th season of the reality show Bigg Boss, shares, "While many people today are obsessed with being fair, there's another side to it. Being extremely fair can typecast you, box you in, and limit the kinds of opportunities you're offered."

Moreover, in the entertainment industry, where appearances often take centre stage, the balance between looks and talent can be a delicate one. When asked about it, Shefali shares her insights, highlighting the undeniable importance of both.

"Appearances are very important since we are in show business, and this business is about looking good and looking attractive. However, talent and skill are of course most important, and if you have both, then it's the cherry on top of the cake."

Reflecting on her own journey, Shefali noted that her experience was somewhat reversed. "For me, it started the other way; I was always fair, fit, and good-looking, but I was not that polished with my talent and skills since I don't come from a filmy background," she says. Despite these initial challenges, she dedicated herself to improving her craft. "Today, I have worked on myself, worked very hard, trained myself to be a dancer, and taken my acting job very seriously."

She attributes her success to her relentless hard work, emphasising that growth is a continuous process. "We've got to show growth continuously, and it will always be like that moving forward into the future as well."

Shefali's Fresh Take on Paparazzi Culture 

Shefali recently made headlines for offering a fresh perspective on the paparazzi, who are often criticised for capturing photos from inappropriate angles. She shares, "Personally, I have never had any bad experiences with the paparazzi. I share a great rapport with them, and there is a lot of mutual respect between us. I have the confidence that if I were uncomfortable with the way I was looking or feeling, I would voice my opinion, and they would definitely comply."

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Viral Bhayani (@viralbhayani)

Acknowledging the pressure many feel to maintain a certain image, Shefali advises, "Instead of taking on the pressure that weighs you down, you'd be better off being more comfortable in your own skin and channelling that energy correctly." She emphasised the importance of confidence, saying, "I'm very comfortable, and I'm not adjusting my straps or the length of my skirt, which can look a bit awkward. I just walk in with confidence, pose, and walk away. I think that's a better approach."

Shefali also acknowledged that many celebrities prefer not to be photographed, particularly when they are with their children or feel uneasy about their appearance or attire.

"The paparazzi have always listened to me, and I've always seen that they have a lot of respect for artists. Hence, artists also have a lot of respect for them." 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Bollywood Society (@bollywoodsocietyy)

Shefali also weighed in on Rashmika Mandanna's deep-fake incident and the growing concerns surrounding the misuse of AI technology. She recounted a recent experience where an agency approached her for permission to use her voice and likeness for AI, which she firmly declined.

"In fact, just recently, there was an agency that got in touch with me asking for my permission to use my likeness and voice, and I completely refused because I don't want it to be misused in any way. This whole Al culture is very scary, and I'm trying to find ways to protect myself in case something like this were ever to happen God forbid," Shefali shares.