“Kaanta Laga” girl Shefali Jariwala dies at 42—TV industry and fans stunned by cardiac arrest

Shefali Jariwala, best known for her breakout appearance in the 2002 music video Kaanta Laga and her participation in Bigg Boss 13, has died at the age of 42 in Mumbai following a sudden cardiac arrest. According to multiple reports, she was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital in Andheri by her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, accompanied by three others, but was declared dead on arrival. Her body was subsequently transferred to Cooper Hospital for a post-mortem. While her family has yet to issue an official statement, confirmation has come from hospital staff and multiple media outlets.

What are the confirmed circumstances surrounding Shefali Jariwala’s sudden death on June 27?

Shefali reportedly began experiencing intense chest pain on the night of June 27 and collapsed at home. She was transported urgently to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital, but doctors confirmed she had already passed away before reaching the emergency room. A senior hospital official also confirmed her condition to the press. Her body was later transferred to Cooper Hospital, where a post-mortem is being conducted to determine the exact cause of death.

Mumbai Police have visited her Andheri residence and initiated inquiries. Officials are awaiting results from the medico-legal report before releasing any final conclusions about the nature of the cardiac event.

How has the Indian entertainment industry responded to the loss of Shefali Jariwala?

Tributes poured in from across the television and music industries, with prominent names such as Mika Singh, Aly Goni, Paras Chhabra, and Divyanka Tripathi expressing grief on social media. Mika Singh, who referred to her as a close friend, said he was “unable to process the loss” and remembered her as a joyful soul. Tehseen Poonawalla, another former Bigg Boss 13 contestant, compared her death to that of Sidharth Shukla—who also died of a heart condition in 2021 at age 40.

The suddenness of Shefali’s passing has sparked an outpouring of sadness from her fans and has prompted conversations around the rising incidence of sudden cardiac deaths in the entertainment industry.

Why was Shefali Jariwala popularly known as the “Kaanta Laga girl” in Indian pop culture?

Shefali Jariwala rose to national prominence with her appearance in the remix music video Kaanta Laga in 2002. Her performance in the video, marked by bold styling and distinctive choreography, quickly went viral and earned her the moniker “Kaanta Laga Girl.” The video marked a turning point in the early 2000s for Indian pop music visuals and gave her a cult following.

Following this success, she appeared in mainstream Bollywood films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and the Kannada hit Hudugaru. She also became a household name through her participation in dance and reality shows like Boogie Woogie and multiple seasons of Nach Baliye.

Her re-entry into public life came through her widely praised stint in Bigg Boss 13 (2019–2020), where she was lauded for her composure, independent thinking, and emotional intelligence.

What health conditions had Shefali Jariwala publicly battled before her untimely death?

In earlier interviews, Shefali had spoken about her long battle with epilepsy, which she developed in her teenage years. She shared that seizures had disrupted both her personal and professional life, but through years of disciplined lifestyle changes, she had managed to go seizure-free for over 15 years.

Though her history with epilepsy was public, there is no indication as of now that it had any connection to the cardiac event that led to her death. No official medical history has been released, and the Cooper Hospital post-mortem report is awaited for further clarity.

What role did Shefali Jariwala’s personal life play in her public journey?

Shefali was previously married to Harmeet Singh of the music duo Meet Bros, but the marriage ended in divorce in 2009. In 2014, she married actor Parag Tyagi, with whom she frequently appeared on television. Their relationship was often highlighted by the media as a positive and affectionate partnership, particularly during their joint appearance on Nach Baliye.

On the night of her death, Tyagi was seen accompanying her to the hospital and later at Cooper Hospital. Media reports have shown visuals of him visibly shaken and emotional as he left the hospital premises early Saturday morning.

How has the public reacted on social media and what are the trending themes?

The news of Shefali’s death quickly dominated Indian social media platforms. Fans flooded X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and YouTube with tribute posts, sharing clips from her iconic music video and reality show appearances. Her final Instagram post—captioned “Bling it on baby”—went viral after her death, with many fans describing it as “hauntingly vibrant.”

Trending hashtags such as #ShefaliJariwala, #KaantaLagaGirl, #GoneTooSoon, and #CardiacArrest gained traction, sparking conversations around health, stress, and fitness among young entertainers. Fan clubs have also announced online memorials and tribute videos over the coming weekend.

What health and wellness concerns are being raised in the aftermath of her passing?

Shefali’s death has reignited public concern over the increasing frequency of cardiac arrests in relatively young and otherwise fit celebrities. Health professionals have pointed out that sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is not the same as a heart attack and often involves an abrupt electrical malfunction that leads to complete loss of heart function.

Experts have also emphasized the importance of cardiac screenings, especially for individuals in high-stress professions like media and entertainment. The incident has prompted renewed calls for mental and physical wellness protocols to be strengthened within the Indian entertainment industry.

What next steps are expected from authorities, her family, and the industry?

As of now, no funeral or memorial service details have been publicly disclosed by the family. Given the sensitive nature of the event and its timing, it is possible that the family may opt for a private ceremony.

Meanwhile, Mumbai Police and Cooper Hospital officials continue their investigation. The final post-mortem report is expected to provide more clarity in the coming days.

Television channels and streaming platforms are reportedly preparing short tribute features to honor Shefali’s legacy. Bigg Boss producers are also expected to include a special segment in her memory during the next season’s launch.

Why is Shefali Jariwala’s death a wake-up call for preventive health in high-stress careers?

Shefali Jariwala’s passing is a stark reminder that even individuals who seem to embody physical health and vitality can suffer from underlying conditions. Her openness about epilepsy and mental health in earlier years made her a relatable and respected voice. Now, her tragic death should serve as a wake-up call for the industry to prioritize preventive healthcare, reduce work-induced stress, and ensure emergency readiness on sets and during productions.