Shefali Jariwala Dies at 42: ‘Kaanta Laga’ Icon Shocks Bollywood

      Shefali Jariwala—Bollywood icon of Kaanta Laga and Bigg Boss 13—passes away at 42 on June 27, 2025.

Shefali Jariwala Dies at 42: ‘Kaanta Laga’ Icon Shocks Bollywood

By M Muzamil Shami - June 28, 2025

Shefali Jariwala Dies at 42: Bollywood Mourns the ‘Kaanta Laga’ Legend

MUMBAI  — Bollywood is in shock and mourning following the untimely death of Shefali Jariwala, best known as the “Kaanta Laga Girl” and a reality TV sensation. The popular model‑turned‑actress passed away from a cardiac arrest late on June 27 at 42, leaving fans and colleagues devastated.

Timeline of Events

1. On the night of June 27, reports emerged that Shefali suffered acute chest pain at home.

2. Rushed by her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, and family to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital in Mumbai around 11:25 p.m., she was unfortunately declared dead on arrival

3. Hospital sources confirmed she had already expired before arrival; her body was transferred to Cooper Hospital for post-mortem

Rise to Stardom: From IT Graduate to Bollywood Icon

Born December 15, 1982, in Gujarat, Shefali earned a BCA degree before entering entertainment. She gained overnight fame in 2002 with the remix video "Kaanta Laga", instantly earning blockbuster status and becoming a household name

Her career progressed through item numbers in films like Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004) and the Kannada hit Hudugaru, as well as appearances in dance reality shows Nach Baliye 5 and 7 alongside Parag Tyagi, and a stint on Bigg Boss 13 in 2019 

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Health Struggles & Personal Resilience

Shefali bravely shared her battle with epilepsy since her teens, crediting regular exercise, therapy, and a positive mindset for her management. Her openness inspired many, especially other women living with chronic conditions.

Industry Tributes & Public Outpouring

Tributes flowed in immediately from the Bollywood fraternity:

1. Singer Mika Singh shared, “Still can't believe it”

2. fans and colleagues remembered her as charismatic, strong, and a vibrant presence.

Medical Details & Underlying Causes

Preliminary reports suggest cardiac arrest struck suddenly—potentially worsened by long-term stress or underlying valvular issues. Mumbai police have taken up the case, and a post-mortem is underway to determine the exact cause .

The Broader Context

Her passing highlights critical issues:

1. Women’s heart health is often under-diagnosed, as noted by leading cardiologists 

2. The loss of a public figure who not only thrived in a competitive industry but also openly fought personal health battles spurs conversations around mental health and resilience.

FAQs

Q1: What caused Shefali Jariwala’s death?
A: She reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest on June 27. A medical board and post-mortem are currently investigating the definitive cause

Q2: What made Shefali famous?
A: She rose to fame with the viral 2002 “Kaanta Laga” remix video and later found new life with reality shows like Nach Baliye and Bigg Boss 13

Q3: Did she have underlying health conditions?
A: Yes—Shefali suffered from epilepsy since age 15, which she shared publicly and managed through lifestyle adjustments

Q4: What is the impact on Bollywood and fans?
A: Her sudden death has sparked grief across the industry. Tributes from celebrities and fans have flooded social media, emphasizing her warmth and influence.

Subscribe for exclusive updates and tributes as we remember Shefali’s journey and impact on Bollywood.

Which performance of Shefali—’Kaanta Laga’, Nach Baliye, or Bigg Boss—left the biggest impression on you? Share your memory below.