Music director Harry Anand couldn’t believe Shefali is no more
Music director Harry Anand couldn’t believe Shefali is no more
Music director Harry Anand expresses his shock over Shefali Jariwala’s untimely passing away at 42.
Shefali catapulted to fame with iconic music video ‘Kaanta Laga’ in 2002. And Anand recalled their early collaboration and her overnight success
Over his recent media interaction Anand recalled the moment he first got the heartbreaking news and reflected on their early memories together and the era that made the actor a household names.
Adding that he was in the midst of a music recording when one of his assistants called and said, ‘Harry, there is a very shocking news. Anand shared saying he told him to break it gently, as just last month he lost his sister, and before that, his mother both while he was in London, attending funerals over the phone. His heart started sinking. And then he said, ‘Shefali Jariwala is no more.’
Still coming to terms with the news, Anand admitted he initially didn’t believe it. Sometimes news like this turns out to be a hoax or a publicity stunt. He told he would wait till morning to confirm it, but then it began to spread everywhere. He’s still in complete shock. Anand
was instrumental in shaping Shefali’s early career, having worked with her on three music videos – ‘Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar’, ‘Kaanta Laga’, and a third song post her marriage. Recalling the shoot of ‘Kaanta Laga’, he said, “She practised for nearly 15-20 days. From costumes to choreography, everything was planned in detail. I suggested the name ‘DJ Doll’ for the album, and that’s how we started the series.”
‘Kaanta Laga’ turned Shefali into an overnight star. “She was completely surprised by the thundering success of the song. She’d often tell him, ‘Harry, she can’t believe this is happening.’ That song was a career breakthrough – for her and for him too. They even won MTV awards for it.
Anand also shared that Shefali met her then-husband Harmeet at one of his parties. He remembered the day they met. There was some family controversy, but Anand wouldn’t want to go into that. He went on to add that they got married, and later separated. He continued working with her even after her marriage.
While he had not met Shefali recently due to his long work trip to the UK, Anand shared that he returned to India just a few days ago and learned about her death shortly after. “It’s heartbreaking. He was going through her Instagram page last night. She posted just four days ago. It’s hard to believe someone so full of life is no more,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion.
Remembering Shefali as a kind, grounded person, Anand said, “She was constantly doing shows. Her father used to tell him ‘Harry, kaam bahut aa raha hai.’ he.didn’t hang out with her much because was busy with back-to-back shoots, but they used to talk often and did a lot of shows together.”
He also reflected on the controversies that surrounded ‘Kaanta Laga’ at the time around. Adding further that there were debates everywhere – from TV panels to BBC discussions. It was a cultural moment.
Shefali will always be remembered as the face of that era.”
With a heart, Anand concluded, “She was a nice girl. This news is truly devastating. His prayers are with her family and fans. May her soul rest in peace.”
News Edit KV Raman
