The entertainment industry is reeling from the sudden demise of Shefali Jariwala, the actress and model best known for her iconic "Kaanta Laga" music video and her stint on Bigg Boss 13. She passed away on Friday in Mumbai at the age of 42. Initial reports suggest she was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital around 11:15 pm by her husband, Parag Tyagi, and three others after suffering a cardiac arrest but was declared dead on arrival.
The news of Shefali's untimely death has sent shockwaves through the industry, with many celebrities and fans expressing their grief and disbelief. Among those deeply affected is Aarti Singh, her fellow Bigg Boss 13 contestant, who shared a heartfelt tribute to her friend.
Aarti Singh, along with her husband Deepak Chauhan, was seen arriving at Shefali's residence to pay their last respects. Visuals showed a visibly emotional Aarti, who shared a close bond with Shefali since their time together on Bigg Boss 13. The two had maintained a strong friendship, and Shefali had even attended Aarti's wedding to Deepak Chauhan.
Sources indicate that Aarti is devastated by the news, especially since she and Shefali had made plans just a week prior to her passing. The details of these plans were not disclosed, but the fact that they were made so recently underscores the sudden and unexpected nature of Shefali's death.
Shefali's final journey commenced on Saturday, with her last rites being performed at the Oshiwara Crematorium in Mumbai. The same venue was used for the funeral of Sidharth Shukla, another Bigg Boss 13 contestant who passed away in 2021. The last rites were attended by family, close friends, and colleagues from the television and film industry. Parag Tyagi, Shefali's husband, was seen inconsolable as he performed the final rituals. Other celebrities who paid their respects included Mahira Sharma, Rashami Desai, Sunidhi Chauhan, Paras Chhabra, Hindustani Bhau, Shehnaaz Gill and Vikas Gupta.
The exact cause of Shefali Jariwala's death is still under investigation. While initial reports suggest cardiac arrest, the police have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) and are awaiting forensic analysis to determine the precise cause. Her post-mortem has been conducted at Cooper Hospital, but doctors have reserved their opinion pending forensic analysis. Preliminary information suggests a natural death, but authorities are not ruling out any possibilities until all reports are reviewed.
Shefali Jariwala rose to fame with the "Kaanta Laga" music video in 2002, becoming one of the most loved icons of the 2000s. She also appeared in films like "Mujhse Shaadi Karogi" and "Hudugaru". In addition to Bigg Boss 13, she participated in reality shows like "Nach Baliye" and "Boogie Woogie".
Shefali's personal life also garnered attention. She was married to musician Harmeet Singh of Meet Brothers in 2004, but they divorced in 2009. She later married actor Parag Tyagi in 2015.
The entertainment industry mourns the loss of a vibrant and talented actress. Tributes have been pouring in on social media, with many expressing their shock and sadness. The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) also expressed its sorrow, acknowledging Shefali's contribution to Indian entertainment.
