In a poignant turn of events, actress and model Shefali Jariwala, best known for her "Kaanta Laga" music video and her stint on Bigg Boss 13, passed away at the age of 42. Her death, reportedly due to a cardiac arrest at her Mumbai residence, has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry.
Adding to the tragedy, Shefali's passing bears a striking resemblance to that of her Bigg Boss 13 co-star, Sidharth Shukla, who also died of a cardiac arrest in September 2021. In a heartbreaking coincidence, Shefali's last post on X (formerly Twitter) was a touching tribute to Sidharth on the anniversary of his death.
On September 2, 2024, Shefali shared a nostalgic picture of herself embracing Sidharth Shukla closely, capturing a warm moment from their time together on Bigg Boss 13. She captioned the image, "Thinking of you today mere dost @sidharth_shukla ❤️". This heartfelt message serves as a final, public expression of the bond they shared.
Shefali and Sidharth's connection goes back further than their Bigg Boss days. They were in a relationship about fifteen years ago. Shefali mentioned that after their romantic relationship ended, they remained cordial. They were able to reconnect and form a friendship during Bigg Boss 13. Shefali noted that they bonded over their shared interests and logical approach to life, often discussing topics like travel and space.
Following Sidharth Shukla's death on September 2, 2021, Shefali was among the first of his Bigg Boss 13 co-stars to visit his family. She also posted a tribute to him on social media, writing, "Rest in peace my friend," and "I know you are in a better place...gone too soon".
Shefali's career spanned across music videos, television shows, and reality shows. She gained widespread recognition for her appearance in the "Kaanta Laga" music video and further cemented her popularity with her participation in Bigg Boss 13. She also participated in Nach Baliye with her husband, Parag Tyagi. Besides her entertainment career, Shefali held a Bachelor's degree in Information Technology. She had been married to Parag Tyagi since 2014, after divorcing her first husband, Harmeet Singh of Meet Bros, in 2009. Shefali and Parag had been planning to adopt a baby girl. She had also been open about her battle with epilepsy, revealing that she had her first seizure at 15 and managed the condition through regular exercise.
The news of Shefali Jariwala's sudden demise has been met with an outpouring of grief and condolences from fans and fellow celebrities. Her final social media post, a loving remembrance of Sidharth Shukla, encapsulates the enduring power of friendship and the impact these two individuals had on each other's lives and on their fans.