The glitz and glam of Bollywood were shaken recently after Shefali Jariwala, popularly known as the Kaanta Laga girl, admitted in a candid podcast interview that she had used skin whitening pills and anti-aging injections to “stay relevant” in the industry. But what truly sent shockwaves across the internet was the calm, yet piercing response from none other than Kareena Kapoor Khan.

When asked about Shefali’s controversial admission during a recent press junket for her upcoming film, Kareena didn’t hold back.

“Why are we still chasing this idea of fairness in 2025? Are we really still doing this?” she said, raising her signature brow. “Beauty is power, yes—but it’s not defined by the color of your skin or how few wrinkles you have.”

Shefali’s Shocking Revelation

In a now-viral interview on the Unfiltered with Tanya podcast, Shefali revealed:

“I tried everything—glutathione pills, skin lightening treatments, anti-aging injections. It was the only way I could keep up with the expectations, the casting rooms, and the trolls.”

Her statement sparked a fierce debate online. While some applauded her honesty, others criticized her for promoting unrealistic beauty standards.

But perhaps what the public didn’t expect was a megastar like Kareena taking a stand.

Kareena’s Powerful Stand on Beauty Norms

Known for her unapologetic attitude and fierce comebacks, Kareena used the moment not to shame Shefali, but to call out the toxic beauty pressures within and outside the industry.

“Shefali’s story is not unique,” Kareena said. “This is the result of years of conditioning—from ads promoting fairness creams to social media filters that erase your face.”

When asked if she ever felt the pressure to undergo similar treatments, Kareena smiled:

“Look, I love my spa days and a good facial. But injections to ‘reverse age’? I’m an actress, not a time traveler.”

She laughed, but her message was clear: Aging is not a flaw.

Fans React: “Bebo is the Voice We Need!”

Within hours of her interview, hashtags like #BeboForRealBeauty and #AgingIsPower trended on Twitter and Instagram. Fans praised her for addressing a subject so often whispered about but rarely acknowledged publicly.

One fan tweeted:

“Kareena calling out skin whitening in 2025 is iconic. We need more celebs to speak up like this.”

Another added:

“Not shaming Shefali, but exposing the system that made her feel like she had to do that. Respect to both women.”

Shefali Responds: “I Respect Kareena for Speaking Up”

In a follow-up post on her Instagram Stories, Shefali responded gracefully:

“I’ve always admired Kareena for being fearless. Thank you for not judging me—but for pointing out the real issue. We need more real talk in this industry.”

The Bigger Conversation: Beauty in the Age of Filters and Fame

This episode has reignited a larger conversation: what defines beauty in modern India?

With an industry that still glorifies Eurocentric features, and a market flooded with fairness creams, glutathione supplements, and wrinkle-free promises, Kareena’s words ring loud and true:

“We need to stop telling girls that they have to look like porcelain dolls to be loved, accepted, or cast in a film. Talent and confidence should be enough.”

Final Word: A New Era?

Will Bollywood finally move past the age-old obsession with fairness and eternal youth?

If Kareena Kapoor Khan has anything to say about it—yes.

And maybe, just maybe, more voices will follo

‘I’m against botox’: Kareena Kapoor reacts to Shefali Jariwala’s sudden death

A police officer told Hindustan Times that the family admitted Shefali had been taking these supplements without a doctor’s prescription, though they insisted she had never experienced any side effects from them.

Kaanta Laga fame Shefali Jariwala passed away on June 27, 2025, at the age of 42 due to a sudden cardiac arrest, leaving fans and the film industry shocked. Shefali was declared dead on arrival at a Mumbai hospital by her husband, Parag Tyagi. Her husband stated that Shefali had no prior serious health issues, and she was into fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Police have also recorded statements from other family members.

Meanwhile, according to multiple media reports, investigators at the scene discovered two boxes containing anti-ageing tablets, skin glow supplements, and vitamin pills. A police officer told Hindustan Times that the family admitted Shefali had been taking these supplements without a doctor’s prescription, though they insisted she had never experienced any side effects from them.

These days, many celebrities are obsessed with staying youthful and evergreen, and opt for beauty enhancement procedures like botox, fillers, take glutathione, and lip augmentation.

However, OG queen of Bollywood Kareena Kapoor, who is nearing 45, embraces her wrinkles and fuller figure, and doesn’t shy away from flaunting her age and body. She also prefers home-cooked meals.

Kareena has repeatedly insisted she doesn’t believe in botox or surgeries. Days after Shefali Jariwala’s sudden demise, the actor shared her stance on cosmetic treatments.

Reacting to the alleged use of anti-ageing treatments by Shefali, Kareena told Barkha Dutt in an interview, “I am against botox. I’m all for self-preservation in the good sense, being healthy, feeling great, and choosing natural therapies. Self-preservation also means preserving my talent, because that’s my weapon.”

She added, “So, preserving that by taking holidays, spending time with family and friends, engaging in things beyond being on set, that too is self-preservation. Rather than needles and going under the knife, that’s what I’m all for.”

‘Please Mazak Drama Mat Banaiyega…’: Shefali Jariwala’s husband Parag Tyagi cries, request media for privacy post cremationInstagram

What caused Shefali’s sudden death?

According to initial reports, Shefali had been observing a religious fast on Sunday for a Satyanarayan Pooja held at the couple’s residence. Investigations also suggest that self-medication and suspected food poisoning may have contributed to her death. Police sources revealed that Shefali had consumed stale fried rice while fasting and had been undergoing anti-ageing treatments for the past five to six years. Officials further stated that she had received anti-ageing injections without any recent medical supervision.

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