The recent passing of actress and model Shefali Jariwala at the age of 42 has prompted widespread grief and discussion, extending beyond her immediate circle and into the Bollywood community. Jariwala, known for her vibrant personality and iconic presence in the early 2000s hit remix "Kaanta Laga," as well as her appearances on reality shows like Bigg Boss 13, reportedly died on Friday night in Mumbai.
Initial reports indicated that Jariwala was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital by her husband, Parag Tyagi, and three others after suffering a cardiac arrest. However, other sources suggest that she was declared dead on arrival at the hospital, and the precise cause of death remains unconfirmed, pending further investigation. Mumbai police have stated that an autopsy was conducted at Cooper Hospital, and they are awaiting forensic analysis to determine the cause of death.
The news of Jariwala's sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry. Her final rites were performed at the Oshiwara crematorium in Mumbai on Saturday evening, with family, friends, and colleagues in attendance. Parag Tyagi, along with Jariwala's father and sister, were seen performing the final rituals.
In the wake of Jariwala's death, actor Varun Dhawan has publicly criticized the media's coverage, labeling it as "insensitive". Taking to Instagram, Dhawan expressed his discomfort with the media's approach to covering celebrity deaths, questioning the necessity of documenting the grief of those left behind. He wrote, "Again one more passing of a soul being insensitively covered by the media. I just don't understand why do u have to cover someone's grief. Everyone looks so uncomfortable with this, how is this benefiting anyone?". He further requested his "friends in the media" to adopt a more respectful approach, suggesting that this isn't how someone would want their final journey covered.
Dhawan's statement follows criticism of paparazzi who were present at the hospital and Jariwala's residence, capturing moments of grief from family and friends. Videos and photos from the funeral, showing Parag Tyagi and other family members in distress, were widely circulated on social media. Tyagi himself was seen pleading with the media to grant him privacy and to remember Shefali in their prayers. "Meri pari ke liye pray kijiyega aap sab log, please," he said.
Adding to the details surrounding Jariwala's passing, a security guard from her apartment complex revealed that he had seen the actress and her husband walking their dog just hours before she was taken to the hospital. He expressed his disbelief upon learning of her death, noting that it seemed like any other day.
Amidst the tributes and expressions of grief, there have also been reports regarding the circumstances surrounding Jariwala's death. A source told NDTV that the model was "regularly consuming anti-ageing medicines for the last seven-eight years". The source further added that "So far in the police investigation, it has come to light that these medicines could be a major reason for cardiac arrest". However, these reports remain unconfirmed, and the police investigation is ongoing. Authorities have recorded statements from family members, domestic staff, and acquaintances, and have also questioned the pharmacist from the medical store frequented by her family.
The debate sparked by Varun Dhawan's comments highlights the complex relationship between the media, celebrities, and the public during times of personal tragedy. While the public has a right to know, there's a growing call for media outlets to exercise greater sensitivity and respect for the privacy of grieving individuals.
