Parag Tyagi Faces Backlash for Using Late Wife Shefali Jariwala’s Name in New Podcast
Actor Parag Tyagi faces renewed criticism for launching ‘Shefali Parag Tyagi’ podcast, discussing astrology and tantra with his late wife’s details months after her June 2025 death. Echoing July trolls over social media tributes, he slams ‘negative people’ amid accusations of publicity-seeking. Explore the controversy, his defenses, and fan divides in this Bollywood update on grief and social media
Actor Parag Tyagi, still reeling from the sudden death of his wife Shefali Jariwala in June, is once again under fire from online critics. His latest venture—a podcast titled “Shefali Parag Tyagi”—has sparked accusations of exploiting her memory for personal gain, particularly after episodes delved into sensitive topics like astrology and tantra using her personal details.
Shefali, the 42-year-old star of the iconic “Kaanta Laga” music video and shows like Bigg Boss 13, passed away on June 27, 2025, from a cardiac arrest at their Mumbai home. Parag rushed her to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital, where she was declared dead on arrival. Since then, he’s shared heartfelt tributes on social media, but each post has drawn trolls claiming he’s seeking publicity.
Podcast Launch Ignites Fresh Controversy
Launched recently, the “Shefali Parag Tyagi” podcast aims to honor Shefali’s wishes, including starting an NGO inspired by her journals. In the debut episode, Parag and a guest “Guruji” discussed kundali (astrological charts), sadhna (spiritual practices), and tantra. Parag shared Shefali’s birth details, prompting the Guruji to reveal a “markesh” (death indicator) in her chart and claims of tantra being performed on it.
Critics flooded comments sections, calling it insensitive and opportunistic. One user remarked, “This man is ridiculous,” while another accused him of “gaining fame through his dead wife.” The timing—mere months after her passing—has amplified the outrage, with many questioning if it’s true grieving or content creation.
Echoes of Earlier Social Media Backlash
This isn’t Parag’s first brush with online vitriol. In July, shortly after Shefali’s funeral, he posted emotional montages of their life together, set to songs like “Mere Haath Mein” from Fanaa. What he intended as catharsis drew accusations of “using her death for publicity.”
Even a video featuring their pet dog Simba, whom Parag called his “Gundi,” performing rituals in Shefali’s memory, faced mockery. Supporters, including Bigg Boss alum Paras Chhabra, defended him, arguing grief manifests differently.
Key moments from the timeline:
- June 27, 2025: Shefali’s death shocks fans; Parag pleads with paparazzi, “Please don’t make fun of this.”
- July 10: First tribute reel sparks troll war.
- November 2025: Podcast episodes on occult topics reignite debate.
Parag’s Defiant Response to Critics
True to form, Parag fired back in podcast comments and earlier posts. “I don’t care about the judgement you negative people have,” he wrote in July, adding, “This account is dedicated to her only.” He emphasized Shefali’s love for social media and vowed to keep her legacy alive online, regardless of backlash.
In a recent note, he clarified the podcast’s intent: fulfilling her NGO dreams while exploring spiritual themes she journaled about. “Bhai, sab log aapki tarah nahi hote. Pari loved to be on social media,” he told one detractor. Despite the noise, Parag’s posts continue to garner support from fans who see his openness as brave.
Broader Implications for Grieving Public Figures
Shefali and Parag, married since 2014 after meeting on Nach Baliye, were a beloved TV couple. Her death at 42—amid rumors of low blood pressure, pending post-mortem confirmation—has fueled discussions on celebrity privacy in grief.
Experts note social media’s double edge: it amplifies healing but invites judgment. As one analyst put it, “Public mourning is performative by nature, but authenticity matters.” Parag’s story underscores the challenges for those in the spotlight.
Parag Tyagi’s journey through loss highlights the raw divide between private sorrow and public scrutiny. While detractors see exploitation in his podcast and posts, supporters view it as a heartfelt tribute to Shefali Jariwala’s vibrant spirit. As debates rage online, one thing’s clear: grief defies easy narratives. For more on their story, check BollywoodShaadis’ coverage. Follow reactions on X via The New Indian’s thread.