Shefali Jariwala, the actress and model best known for her appearance in the 2002 music video "Kaanta Laga," has passed away at the age of 42. The news of her sudden demise, reportedly due to cardiac arrest, has shocked the entertainment industry.

Jariwala's journey to fame began unexpectedly when she was spotted outside her college by the directors of "Kaanta Laga," Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru. Despite initial hesitation and familial reservations due to her academic background, she took a leap of faith, a decision that would change her life overnight. The "Kaanta Laga" remix became a cultural phenomenon, catapulting Jariwala to instant stardom and earning her the moniker "Kaanta Laga Girl".

In a recent interview, Shefali expressed her unwavering pride in the identity she gained from the song. "There can be only one Kaanta Laga girl in the whole world, and that is me," she stated. "I love it. I want to be known as the Kaanta Laga girl till the day I die. Even on my last living day on this earth, I still want people to remember me for that song. I'm very proud of it".

While "Kaanta Laga" brought her instant recognition, Shefali also pursued other opportunities in the entertainment industry. She appeared in films like "Mujhse Shaadi Karogi". She also participated in reality shows such as "Nach Baliye 5" with her partner, Parag Tyagi, and "Bigg Boss 13". Her stint on "Bigg Boss 13" brought her back into the limelight, allowing viewers to see her personality and interactions within the house.

In a throwback interview, Jariwala revealed that she had been diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 15. She explained that the condition and associated seizures had limited her ability to take on more work after the success of "Kaanta Laga". "After I did Kaanta Laga, people asked me why I didn't do more work. I can now say that it was because of the epilepsy seizures that I couldn't take up much work," she said. She also shared that she had been seizure-free for nine years and was managing her depression, panic attacks, and anxiety with the help of a strong support system.

News of Shefali Jariwala's passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans and colleagues. Many remember her as a "vibrant, fearless" artist who left a lasting impression on Indian pop culture. Mika Singh, a close friend, expressed his shock and sadness, saying, "Still can't believe it. You will always be remembered for your grace, smile, and spirit". Aly Goni, who starred with Jariwala in "Bigg Boss," also shared a message on social media, expressing his shock and sadness.

Shefali Jariwala is survived by her husband, Parag Tyagi, whom she married in 2014.