Shefali Jariwala says she has a deep desire to adopt a child with husband Parag Tyagi: ‘We don’t really care about the genetic linkage’ – Exclusive – Times of India

More than two decades after Shefali Jariwala made her smashing entry into the entertainment scene with her music video, ‘Kaanta Laga’, she continues to rule the hearts of millions of her fans across the nation. The actress recently featured in a short film, ‘Ouch 2’ with Sharman Joshi and Nidhi Bisht. ETimes caught up with the diva for a freewheeling interview where she shared her thoughts on extramarital affairs, her plans to adopt a child, and more. Excerpts…
Unlike other celebrities, you openly spoke about your plans of adopting a child with your husband Parag and not opting for surrogacy. What are your thoughts on the same?I have been very vocal about my deep desire to adopt a child and start a family. There are so many children out there who need a home, and we don’t really care about the genetic linkage. But the process is not simple.
The legal process and numerous technicalities are tedious and emotionally taxing. It is a regulated process that can take up to four years. Just when we thought we were getting there, Covid hit, which changed a lot of dynamics and timelines for us. It has taken a toll on us, and that has made me uncertain now. As it is, there are more parents waiting than there are children in adoption agencies.

Do you feel more and more people should come forward and embrace the thought of providing a child with a home and a family?
India has traditionally been resistant to the idea of adoption. Social issues of caste, class, and genetics have held major sway, with families and communities looking askance at the idea of adopting a child whose parentage is unknown.

However, there has been a surge in the number of prospective adoptive parents, which essentially means that people now understand and have started appreciating adoption in India.

Nurturing a child is about creating a family through a relationship that does not necessarily come through blood. Forty years ago, you could just walk into an adoption home and pick up a child because there was such little demand for them. Now, there are thousands of parents who are choosing the path of adoption.

Tell us something about your latest short film, ‘Ouch 2’. How did you come on board for the film?In ‘Ouch 2’, Sharman Joshi plays a deceitful two-timer in a hilarious coincidence, and I play Tanya, his love interest. The film takes a funny approach to show how extramarital affairs end. When the subject was narrated to me, I instantly knew that I had to be a part of it. I feel very confident doing comedy. It was an opportunity that I could not miss.

Did you have fun working with Sharman Joshi and Nidhi Bisht?Although I didn’t have any scenes with Nidhi Bisht, we did interact during the preparation of the film. The readings were so much fun with her. Working with Sharman was such a joyful experience. He is supremely talented, and I learnt so much from him. I had a blast working with the entire cast and crew.

What are your personal thoughts on extramarital affairs?
I feel that as humans, we are all fascinated by the forbidden truth. The prohibition of having an affair is what makes it happen. It is complicated, dangerous, and immoral. However, most men and women who have extramarital affairs are not necessarily bad people. If one is not satisfied in a marriage, they must end it before starting a love affair.