Shefali Jariwala Shares About Her Struggles With Epilepsy

Shefali Jariwala recently shared her struggles with epilepsy during her school years. She expressed how low self-esteem and feeling of helplessness were prevalent during that time. The disease also affected her social life and academic work. Jariwala rose to national fame at the age of 20 when she starred in the music video for Kaanta Laga. It was a remix of the popular 1972 song from Dharmendra and Asha Parekh's Samadhi. She has since been featured in several music albums and films but remains known as the "Kaanta Laga girl". In 2020, she participated in the reality show Bigg Boss, hosted by Salman Khan.

Recounting her experience with epilepsy, Jariwala stated in an interview, "I had my first seizure when I was 15, and for a decade, living with epilepsy was a challenge. Mood and anxiety disorders affected schoolwork and social functioning. At that age, expressing feelings of hopelessness and helplessness was impossible. I had such low self-esteem." She further explained that newer challenges arose as she grew older. Fears, particularly the fear of experiencing seizures at inconvenient times and places, such as during her performances and travels for Kaanta Laga. Jariwala also shared the negative side effects of the medications she was taking to treat her epilepsy. However, she eventually overcame the disease through medication, a strong support system, and positive lifestyle changes. She has been seizure-free for the past 15 years. She said the experience has made her mentally stronger and physically fitter. In 2020, Jariwala opened up about having her first epilepsy seizure at the age of 15. Apart from Bigg Boss 13, she has also appeared in several other reality shows, including Boogie Woogie, Nach Baliye 5, and Nach Baliye 7. She also appeared in the film Mujhse Shaadi Karoge (2004), starring Salman Khan, Priyanka Chopra, and Akshay Kumar.