Shefali Jariwala, who rose to national fame with the hit music video Kaanta Laga in 2002 and later appeared on Bigg Boss 13, has died at the age of 42. Her sudden demise occurred late Friday in Mumbai. According to reports, she was taken to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital by her husband, Parag Tyagi, where doctors declared her dead.
The cause of her death has not been disclosed yet by her family. Following protocol, her body has been sent to Cooper Hospital for a postmortem examination. Police have also reached her residence and are questioning domestic staff, including her cook and house help.
Stardom from a single music video to lasting fame
Shefali’s appearance in Kaanta Laga turned her into a pop culture icon of the early 2000s. Her fame continued with a cameo in the 2004 film Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, which starred Salman Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Priyanka Chopra.
She became a familiar face in television through her participation in reality shows like Nach Baliye seasons 5 and 7, alongside her husband Parag Tyagi, whom she married in 2015. Her popularity soared again during her stint in Bigg Boss 13, where viewers appreciated her forthright personality and composure.
Emotional tributes pour in from friends and co-stars
Shefali’s unexpected passing has shocked the entertainment community. Singer Mika Singh, a close friend, wrote an emotional message on social media expressing disbelief and recalling their last collaboration in 2020 — a music video they promoted together on The Kapil Sharma Show. “You will always be remembered for your grace, smile, and spirit,” he wrote, also urging everyone to value time with loved ones.
Actress Kamya Punjabi shared her grief on Instagram, writing, “I can’t get over this news…my heart is sinking.”
Tehseen Poonawalla, who appeared with her in Bigg Boss 13, expressed disbelief, especially drawing a heartbreaking parallel with the untimely death of fellow contestant Sidharth Shukla. “Absolutely stunned,” he said in a post on X.
Actor Paras Chhabra also mourned her loss, writing, “Kiski zindagi kitni likhi hai koi nahi jaanta (No one knows how long their life is written).”
As the industry reels from the loss, fans continue to remember Shefali Jariwala as a performer who left a lasting mark through her work and charm. Her sudden departure serves as a stark reminder of life’s unpredictability.