Mumbai: Actor and model Shefali Jariwala, best known for her breakout music video Kaanta Laga, passed away late Friday night in Mumbai. She was 42. According to police sources, Shefali was found unresponsive at her Andheri Lokhandwala residence and was rushed to Bellevue Hospital, where she was declared dead on arrival.
The cause of death remains unclear, though preliminary reports from ANI suggest the possibility of a cardiac arrest. Her body has been transferred to Cooper Hospital for post-mortem examination. No official statement has yet been issued by her family.
Mumbai Police have confirmed that a team of forensic experts visited her home, and an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding her death.
Family in Grief, Husband Parag Tyagi Seen Leaving Hospital
After the tragic news broke, visuals from Bellevue Hospital and Shefali’s home quickly spread across social media. In one video, her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, was seen leaving the hospital in a visibly distressed state, covering his face to avoid cameras.
Another video captured Shefali’s mother exiting the hospital, overwhelmed with emotion. Fans and media gathered outside her Andheri residence as the news sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry.
Parag Tyagi, known for his work in Indian television, had often shared glimpses of their life together, and the couple was widely admired for their chemistry, both off-screen and on reality shows.
Tributes Pour In for the ‘Kaanta Laga’ Girl
Soon after the news of her passing broke, the All Indian Cine Workers Association posted a heartfelt tribute on X (formerly Twitter):
“Shefali Jariwala is no longer with us. Gone too soon at just 42 due to a sudden heart attack. It’s hard to believe she’s gone. May her soul rest in peace, and may God give strength to her family during this heartbreaking time.”
Shefali rose to national fame in the early 2000s with her bold appearance in the remix music video Kaanta Laga, which became a pop culture sensation. Her popularity led her to Bollywood, where she appeared in the 2004 film Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, starring Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar.
She also made a mark on reality television, participating in Nach Baliye Seasons 5 and 7 alongside Parag Tyagi, and later gaining a massive fanbase in Bigg Boss 13 in 2019.
Apart from Hindi cinema, she also worked in the Kannada film industry with a role in Hudugaru.
Shefali Jariwala’s sudden demise has left a deep void in the entertainment industry. Friends, fans, and colleagues continue to express their grief, remembering her as a vibrant, fearless performer who carved her own niche in the Indian pop and film culture. Her funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family soon.
