Shefali Jariwala, the actress and model who captured hearts as the iconic “Kaanta Laga” girl, has died suddenly at the age of 42. The news of her passing on Friday, June 27, 2025, in Mumbai has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and among her fans worldwide.
Reports confirm that Shefali suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at her residence in the Andheri area of Mumbai. Her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, along with three others, rushed her to Bellevue Multispecialty Hospital late Friday night, but she was declared brought dead upon arrival. Hospital staff and Mumbai Police have confirmed the tragic event, with her body subsequently sent to Cooper Hospital for a postmortem examination. The exact cause of death remains unverified publicly, though sources suggest cardiac arrest as the likely reason.
Born on December 15, 1982, Shefali Jariwala was more than just a pop culture sensation. A graduate with a BE degree in Information Technology from Sardar Patel Engineering College in Gujarat, she initially aspired to be a computer engineer before destiny led her to the entertainment world. Her breakthrough came in 2002 with the remix music video “Kaanta Laga,” which instantly made her a household name. Her bold style, electrifying dance moves, and magnetic screen presence earned her the affectionate title of the “Kaanta Laga Girl.”
Following this early success, she made brief appearances in Bollywood films, including a cameo in Salman Khan’s Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, and ventured into regional cinema and digital web series such as Baby Come Naa. However, it was reality television that marked her significant comeback. In 2019, Shefali entered the Bigg Boss 13 house as a wild card contestant, where audiences saw a more personal and composed side of her. Her straightforward attitude, grace under pressure, and dignified confrontations won her both fans and critics alike.
Shefali’s personal life was equally public and touched many. In 2004, she married musician Harmeet Singh of the Meet Brothers fame, but the couple parted ways in 2009. She later married actor Parag Tyagi in 2014 after nearly four years of courtship. The couple was often seen sharing glimpses of their loving relationship on social media and even participated together in dance reality shows like Nach Baliye, showcasing their chemistry and bond.
Beyond her professional achievements, Shefali was open about her health struggles, particularly her battle with epilepsy. She revealed that her first seizure occurred at the age of 15 and that stress and anxiety were significant triggers. Despite these challenges, she credited a disciplined lifestyle and regular exercise for helping her manage her condition and maintain her health over the years.
Just three days before her untimely death, Shefali posted a stunning photo on Instagram, dressed in a silver embellished jumpsuit with the caption “Bling it on baby.” The post, which has since gone viral, showcased her radiant confidence and vivacious spirit. Fans and friends flooded the post with messages of disbelief, sorrow, and love, reflecting the deep connection she had with her audience. Comments ranged from heartfelt disbelief—“Can’t believe this was your last post”—to emotional tributes such as “You truly brought the wow… forever in our hearts.”
The suddenness of her passing has left many struggling to come to terms with the loss. Singer Mika Singh, one of Shefali’s close friends, was among the first celebrities to publicly express his grief. Posting a photo of Shefali on social media, he wrote, “I’m deeply shocked, saddened, and feeling a heavy heart... Our beloved star and my dearest friend @shefalijariwala has left us. Still can’t believe it. You will always be remembered for your grace, smile, and spirit. Om Shanti.”
Other notable figures from the entertainment world, including Rajiv Adatia, Kamya Panjabi, Aly Goni, Divyanka Tripathi, and Tehseen Poonawalla, also shared their shock and heartfelt condolences. Divyanka Tripathi expressed, “It’s unbelievable. We are shocked and sad for the family,” while Tehseen Poonawalla reflected on the fragility of life, noting the loss of both Shefali and fellow Bigg Boss contestant Sidharth Shukla from the same season.
The grief was palpable as visuals surfaced of Parag Tyagi leaving the hospital visibly distraught and in tears, a poignant reminder of the personal tragedy behind the public loss. Friends shared that his heartbreak was immense, and fans have rallied with messages of support for him and Shefali’s loved ones during this difficult time.
Shefali’s journey from an aspiring engineer to a celebrated actress and television personality was marked by resilience and a fearless embrace of life in the spotlight. Her legacy is defined not only by her iconic role in “Kaanta Laga” but also by her candidness about her health struggles and her dignified presence on reality television.
As the nation mourns, it is clear that Shefali Jariwala’s light will continue to shine through the memories she created for her fans and the impact she made on Indian pop culture. Her story is a reminder of life’s unpredictability and the enduring power of grace, spirit, and authenticity.
