Mumbai: Actor Parag Tyagi has sparked widespread discussion after claiming that black magic may have been performed on his late wife, actor and television personality Shefali Jariwala, before her sudden death in June 2025. Tyagi made the remarks during a recent podcast interaction with actor and reality show star Paras Chhabra, where he spoke candidly about his beliefs, emotional experiences, and the unsettling feelings he claims to have sensed in the period leading up to his wife’s demise.
Shefali Jariwala’s death last year came as a shock to the entertainment industry and her fans across the country. Known widely for her breakout appearance in the iconic music video Kaanta Laga, Shefali later built a steady career in television, web content and reality shows, earning a reputation for her cheerful personality and independent spirit. Tyagi’s comments have now reopened conversations around her death, grief, belief systems and the emotional toll of personal loss.
“My belief comes from experience,” says Tyagi
During the podcast, Parag Tyagi emphasised that his views were not based on speculation or hearsay but on what he described as repeated personal experiences. He said that in the days and weeks before Shefali’s death, he had felt an unexplainable sense of disturbance, which he could not logically define but which deeply unsettled him.
Tyagi acknowledged that many people do not believe in concepts such as black magic, but said his own faith and life experiences had led him to take such possibilities seriously. Quoting his words from the podcast, he said, “Bahot saare log nahi maante inn cheezon ko but main bahot maanta hoon. Jahan par bhagwan hai wahan shaitaan bhi hai.” He explained that just as people believe in divine forces, he also believes negative energies exist and can influence human lives.
Repeated feelings of unease before tragedy
The actor further elaborated that his sense of unease occurred more than once. According to Tyagi, he had experienced a similar feeling earlier, but on that occasion, he felt things eventually settled. However, the second time, which was closer to Shefali’s death, the intensity felt significantly stronger.
He described these moments as emotionally heavy and mentally draining, adding that he was unable to pinpoint what exactly felt wrong. “Mujhe mehsoos hota hai ke kuch toh gadbad hai. Ek baar nahi, do baar hua hai aisa mehsoos… iss baar thoda heavy rahi cheezein,” he said, admitting that even now, he does not fully understand what those sensations meant.
Experiences during prayer and spiritual practice
Tyagi also spoke at length about his spiritual practices and how prayer played a role during that period. He said that whenever he sat down for meditation or devotion, he would feel that something was not right. He described Shefali as a naturally cheerful and lively person, which made these moments of concern even more striking for him.
Without going into excessive detail, the actor said that even physical proximity to her made him sense that something was amiss. He explained that this intuition led him to increase the duration and intensity of his prayers. “Iss baar kuch zyaada tha toh maine thoda sa puja badha di thi,” he said, reiterating his belief that negative forces were at play.
“I know someone did something,” he claims
One of the strongest statements from Tyagi during the podcast was his assertion that he does not merely suspect but firmly believes that someone was responsible. While he clarified that he could not name or identify anyone, he insisted that his conviction was absolute.
“Mujhe lagta nahi, mujhe pata hai kisine kiya hai. Main yeh nahi bol sakta kisne kiya, but kisine toh kiya hai,” he said, adding that jealousy and resentment often stem from seeing others happy rather than from one’s own suffering.
These remarks have triggered mixed reactions online, with some expressing sympathy for Tyagi’s grief and emotional state, while others questioned the basis of his claims and cautioned against drawing conclusions without evidence.
Public reaction and wider debate
Following the podcast clip going viral, social media platforms were flooded with reactions. While some users supported Tyagi’s right to express his beliefs and grief, others urged restraint, pointing out the potential harm of attributing a death to supernatural causes without proof. Mental health professionals and social commentators have also highlighted how grief can manifest in deeply personal belief systems, especially after sudden loss.
So far, there has been no official statement from authorities or medical sources linking Shefali Jariwala’s death to any external or unnatural causes beyond what was previously reported.
Remembering Shefali Jariwala
Shefali Jariwala rose to fame in the early 2000s and remained a familiar face in Indian entertainment for over two decades. Apart from music videos, she participated in reality shows and television projects, carving out a space for herself beyond her initial popularity.
Her sudden passing in June 2025 left fans, colleagues and friends mourning a life cut short. Parag Tyagi’s recent statements underline the depth of personal loss he continues to experience months after her death.
Conclusion
Parag Tyagi’s remarks reflect the complexity of grief, belief and emotional trauma following the loss of a loved one. While his claims of black magic remain unverified and deeply personal, they have once again drawn attention to Shefali Jariwala’s legacy and the conversations surrounding faith, mental health and coping with tragedy. As public debate continues, the focus remains on remembering Shefali for her work and respecting the sensitive nature of personal loss.