Shefali Jariwala, the actress and model who became a household name with the iconic 2002 music video "Kaanta Laga," has passed away at the age of 42. Reports indicate that she died of a cardiac arrest on June 27, 2025. Her sudden demise has shocked the entertainment industry and her fans.
Jariwala's journey to fame was almost overnight. In an interview, she recounted being spotted outside her college by Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, the directors of "Kaanta Laga". Initially, she thought it was a prank, as she came from a very academic family and wasn't sure she would get permission to participate. Convincing her parents was not easy.
"Kaanta Laga" became a cultural phenomenon, defining the remix era in Indian pop music. Jariwala reflected that she didn't expect it to be an overnight success that would change her life. The song's catchy tune and her captivating presence instantly turned her into a recognizable face. She played a fearless girl with a rebellious attitude, which became a talking point across the country.
After her initial success, Jariwala explored various avenues in the entertainment world. In 2004, she had a small role in the movie "Mujhse Shaadi Karogi". She also appeared in other music videos, such as "Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar Remix".
Jariwala participated in reality shows like "Nach Baliye 5" and "Nach Baliye 7" with her partner, Parag Tyagi, showcasing her dancing skills. In 2019, she entered the "Bigg Boss 13" house as a wild card contestant. Her composed demeanor and strong opinions earned her appreciation.
In 2018, Jariwala made her web series debut in ALT Balaji's "Baby Come Naa". She also appeared in the web series "Booo Sabki Phategi". In April 2025, she mentioned shooting for another web show and waiting for its release.
Shefali Jariwala was born on December 15, 1982, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. She completed her schooling at Jamnabai Narsee School and graduated with a degree in Information Technology from Sardar Patel College of Engineering. Jariwala was married to musician Harmeet Singh from 2004 to 2009. She later married actor Parag Tyagi in 2014.
Jariwala had been open about her health challenges, including epilepsy. She revealed that she had her first seizure at the age of 15 and that stress and anxiety could trigger seizures. She managed her condition through exercise and remained seizure-free.
Despite facing challenges, Shefali Jariwala remained active in the entertainment industry and connected with her fans through social media. She was known for her outspoken personality and became an advocate for mental health awareness and women's empowerment.
