Shefali Jariwala passes away at 42; friends & colleagues shocked at her untimely demise

Time of India

29-06-2025

Shefali Jariwala, best known as the Kaanta Laga girl, passed away at the age of 42 on June 27 in Mumbai. She reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest and was rushed to a hospital by her husband, Parag Tyagi.
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She was declared dead on arrival. A post-mortem was later conducted at the hospital.
Rising to fame in 2002 with the music video Kaanta Laga, she later appeared in Mujhse Shaadi Karogi and participated in reality shows like Bigg Boss 13 and Nach Baliye 5. Known for her candour, she had also spoken openly about battling epilepsy and mental health issues.
The news of Shefali Jariwala's sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry.
Her friends and colleagues are 'shocked and saddened' by the untimely passing of the actress.
I wish spent more time and made more memories:
Mika Singh
Mika Singh, who had worked with Shefali in the music video Hoton Pe Bas, said, 'Life is so unpredictable. I knew this beautiful soul for over 25 years. We did countless shows together, crossed paths at many events, yet never truly got the chance to work closely. Then in 2020, Shefali called me and said, 'Let's do a song.' We finally made it happen.
Now I sit here thinking, I wish we had done more. Spent more time and made more memories.
This has made me realise life is short and we must keep in touch with our loved ones… because sometimes, we don't get a second chance.'
On set, she was always cheerful and down-to-earth: Surbhi Shukla
Shefali appeared in the TV show Shaitani Rasmein last year. Her co-actor Surbhi Shukla said, 'I'm still finding it hard to believe she's gone. On set, she was always cheerful and down-to-earth. At the same time, she was very hardworking, often quietly sitting in a corner, going over her lines with full dedication.
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She was fit, committed and full of life. She was very kind, warm and a great co-actor. What I remember most is her at our 50-episode celebration — dancing, singing, and laughing.
That happy image is what stays with me now.'
We mentored her because we believed in her: Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru
Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, who directed Shefali Jariwala's Kaanta Laga music video, said, 'She was like our baby, like our own child. We mentored her because we believed in her, and she trusted us. This morning, when we woke up to the news that the Kaanta Laga girl is no more, all the memories came flooding back – memories of a life and a journey we started together 22 years ago.
She had come to our office just two weeks ago.
She said, 'Let's make a new plan for life. I'm 40 now, and I want to start something fresh.' We are shattered, it feels like we've lost a member of our own family.'
Her absence will be deeply felt: Rahul Vaidya
I had known her for 15 years — we had performed together at a few live shows. She supported me during Bigg Boss. The last time we spoke was a year ago. We had even discussed collaborating on a song. She was a kind-hearted and fun-loving soul.
Her absence will be deeply felt.
Shefali wanted to adopt a child once
Earlier in an interview with us, Shefali had spoken about her plans to adopt a child. However, post the pandemic, she had said, 'I have lost too many close ones in this period, which has made me realise that life is fragile. I am scared to become a parent now, but Parag is ready. I believe you should bring home your baby only when you are ready and confident. I have just taken a step back and will wait until I feel confident to take that step in life.
'
During a podcast with Paras Chhabra, when asked about her 2002 remix song Kaanta Laga, Shefali had said, 'I want to be known as the Kaanta Laga girl till the day I die.'