"Kaanta Laga" girl, Shefali Jariwala’s Sudden Death at 42 Shocks Industry, Last Post Honoring Sidharth Shukla Goes Viral

The entertainment industry is reeling from the sudden demise of actor and model Shefali Jariwala, famously known as the “Kaanta Laga” girl, who passed away at the age of 42 on Friday night. Jariwala reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest at her Mumbai residence and was pronounced dead upon arrival at Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital. The tragic news has left fans and colleagues in disbelief, with many reflecting on the eerie coincidence that her final social media post on X was a heartfelt tribute to her late friend and former partner, Sidharth Shukla, who also died of a cardiac arrest in 2021.

Jariwala’s last post on X, dated September 2, 2024, marked the third anniversary of Shukla’s death. Sharing a nostalgic photo of herself hugging Shukla on the sets of Bigg Boss 13, she wrote, “Thinking of you today mere dost @sidharth_shukla ❤️.” The post, capturing a warm moment from their time as co-contestants, has gone viral following her passing, with fans noting the poignant irony. “Absolutely devastating to see this post now. The irony of life. Rest in peace, Shefali,” one user commented on X, while another wrote, “No way she is no more. RIP.”

Shefali Jariwala rose to fame in 2002 with the music video Kaanta Laga, which became a cultural phenomenon and earned her the moniker “Kaanta Laga girl.” She later appeared in the 2004 film Mujhse Shaadi Karogi alongside Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar and participated in reality shows like Nach Baliye and Bigg Boss 13. Her vibrant personality and bold style made her a fan favorite, particularly during her stint on Bigg Boss 13, where her past relationship with Shukla, the season’s winner, drew significant attention.

Jariwala and Shukla had dated briefly around 15 years ago while working in television but parted ways amicably, remaining friends. In a 2020 interview with BollywoodLife, Jariwala described their bond, saying, “Both of us are very logical people. Also, we have similar interests, we would talk about travel, space, bullet trains and whatnot. Even after we stopped dating, we were always cordial whenever we bumped into each other.” Their friendship was evident in the warm interactions during Bigg Boss 13, despite a brief fallout during the show.

The news of Jariwala’s death has prompted an outpouring of grief from the entertainment industry. Singer Mika Singh shared his shock on Instagram, writing, “I’m deeply shocked, saddened, and feeling a heavy heart… Our beloved star and my dearest friend @shefalijariwala has left us. You will always be remembered for your grace, smile, and spirit. Om Shanti.” Actor Aly Goni posted on X, “Shocked and saddened to hear about Shefali Jariwala’s sudden demise. Life is so unpredictable. Rest in peace.”

Jariwala’s husband, actor Parag Tyagi, known for roles in Pavitra Rishta and Jodha Akbar, was seen visibly devastated outside their Mumbai home, accompanied by their pet dog, Simba. The couple, married since 2014 after Jariwala’s divorce from musician Harmeet Singh, frequently shared glimpses of their life together on social media. No official statement has been released by the family, and a postmortem is underway at Cooper Hospital to confirm the cause of death, though cardiac arrest is widely reported.

The uncanny parallel between Jariwala’s and Shukla’s deaths—both at a young age and reportedly due to cardiac arrest—has struck a chord with fans. Shukla, a beloved television star, passed away at 40 in September 2021, leaving a void in the industry. Social media reactions have highlighted the fragility of life, with one fan noting, “Both were friends, and now both are in heaven. Life is so unpredictable.”

As tributes continue to pour in, Jariwala’s legacy as a trailblazer in the remix music video era and a charismatic reality TV star endures. Her sudden passing serves as a stark reminder of the importance of heart health, especially among younger individuals. The entertainment community and fans alike mourn the loss of a vibrant talent, with many cherishing her final tribute to a dear friend as a testament to her warmth and enduring connections.