The entertainment industry is reeling from the sudden and unexpected death of Shefali Jariwala, the actress and performer best known for her iconic "Kaanta Laga" music video and her participation in Bigg Boss 13. She was 42 years old. Initial reports suggest that she suffered a cardiac arrest on Friday night. Her husband, Parag Tyagi, along with three others, rushed her to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital in Mumbai, where she was declared dead on arrival. Her body has since been moved to Cooper Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
The news of Jariwala's death has sent shockwaves through the industry, with fans and colleagues expressing their grief and disbelief on social media. Among those mourning the loss is Himanshi Khurana, who also participated in Bigg Boss 13 with Jariwala. Khurana took to her Instagram Stories to express her sorrow, commenting, "Bigg Boss that place is cursed I think". Her statement alludes to the fact that Shefali Jariwala is the second contestant from Bigg Boss 13 to have died from cardiac arrest, following the death of Sidharth Shukla in 2021.
Shefali Jariwala's rise to fame began in the early 2000s with the release of the "Kaanta Laga" remix video. The song became a nationwide sensation, catapulting her to stardom and earning her the title of "Kaanta Laga Girl". The video was considered bold and rebellious for its time. Despite not having a long Bollywood career, she appeared in films like "Mujhse Shaadi Karogi". She also appeared in several reality series, including "Nach Baliye," "Boogie Woogie," and "Bigg Boss 13".
Beyond her successful career, Shefali Jariwala had also revealed her battle with epilepsy, which she had been diagnosed with at the age of 15. She openly spoke about how stress and anxiety could trigger seizures. She revealed that she had suffered from the condition for 15 years and was proud of how she managed her depression, panic attacks and anxiety.
Tributes have been pouring in from all corners of the entertainment industry. Kamya Panjabi, Mika Singh, and Aly Goni are among the many celebrities who have expressed their condolences. A post on All Indian Cine Workers Association's X handle read, "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".
The sudden death of Shefali Jariwala has left a void in the hearts of her fans and colleagues. Her vibrant personality and unforgettable performances will be fondly remembered.
