Hasti Doshi (BOMBAY TIMES; June 29, 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. 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 realize 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. 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.”
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 realize 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.”
– Inputs by Neha Maheshwri and Onkar Kulkarni
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Shefali Jariwala, who rose to fame with the Kaanta Laga music video, is suspected to have died of a cardiac arrest
S Farah Rizvi (HINDUSTAN TIMES; June 29, 2025)
Actor Shefali Jariwala, widely known as the “Kaanta Laga girl” for her iconic early 2000s music video, died at the age of 42 on June 27. Mumbai Police have confirmed her passing.
“Her body was found at her residence in Andheri. The police received the information at 1 am (early hours of Saturday). Her body has been sent to Cooper Hospital for postmortem. The cause of her death is not yet clear,” police told PTI on Saturday.
She was rushed to Bellevue Hospital in suburban Mumbai by her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, and three others around 11.15 pm on Friday, where she was declared dead. Parag was seen leaving the hospital but did not speak to the media till the time of going to press. The cause of her death remains unclear, though some sources suggest she may have suffered a cardiac arrest.
Shefali, also known for her dance numbers in films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004) and Hudugaru (2011), was earlier married to music composer Harmeet Singh. They separated in 2009 after five years of marriage. She married Parag in 2014. They had no children.
KIKU SHARDA
The actor-comedian was among the first to post: “Of course, it’s a shocker for all. Working with her on a couple of shows, she was so full of life and that big smile on her face. I mean, it’s unbelievable for all of us, the entire fraternity.”
VINDU DARA SINGH
”I worked with her on a show. She was a livewire on stage, no fatigue even when performing live for long stretches. Of late, she was worried about her father who was not keeping well. But Parag, as she always said, was her source of strength.”
SUYYASH RAI
“Parag and Shefali have been close to us. Shefali was among the most pleasant and happy people around. Whenever we got time to catch up at parties or gatherings, she was the brightest and happiest to be with.”
SHARAD MALHOTRA
Shefali worked with Sharad on a web series Ratri ke Yatri. He says, “She was among the best of co-stars. I remember during the promotions, she praised me as a good co-actor, and it was mutual admiration for the person and performer she was.”
MIKA SINGH
The singer wrote on Insta, “I’m deeply shocked, saddened, and feeling a heavy heart… Our beloved star and my dearest friend has left us. Still can’t believe it. You will always be remembered for your grace, smile, and spirit. Om Shanti.”
In an old interview clip that is going viral on social media, Shefali said, “There can only be one Kaanta Laga girl… and that is me. I love it. I want to be known as the Kaanta Laga girl till the day I die.”