The entertainment world is reeling from the sudden passing of actress and model Shefali Jariwala, who died late Friday at the age of 42. Known for her charismatic presence and dancing skills, Jariwala became a beloved icon in the early 2000s after her appearance in the music video "Kaanta Laga".
Initial reports indicate that Jariwala was rushed to Bellevue Multispecialty Hospital around 10:30 PM by her husband, Parag Tyagi, and three others after suffering a cardiac arrest. She was declared dead on arrival by doctors. Her body has been sent to Cooper Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Paparazzi captured her husband, Parag, leaving the hospital visibly heartbroken.
Shatrughan, the security guard at Jariwala's residential society, provided a poignant account of the night's events. Speaking with NDTV, Shatrughan recalled, "Around 10:30 at night, Shefali ji was taken to the hospital. Before that, at around 9 PM, her husband Parag Tyagi came to the society on a motorcycle. I was the one who opened the gate". He also mentioned seeing the couple earlier in the week, stating, "Just the evening before yesterday, Shefali and Parag were seen in the society compound with their dog".
The security guard further revealed the activity following the incident. "The police have been inside since last night. There were two mobile forensic unit vehicles - one has left, one is still here," he stated. Shatrughan also recounted the moment the society learned of Jariwala's death: "After she was taken to the hospital, a man came on a motorcycle - he seemed like a friend - and informed us that Shefali was no more".
News of Jariwala's death has prompted the resurfacing of an old interview where she discussed her long battle with epilepsy, which began at the age of 15 and how it affected her career. In the interview with The Times of India, Shefali stated, "I had an epilepsy seizure at the age of 15. I remember at that time I was under tremendous pressure to do well in my studies".
In a tragic coincidence, Jariwala’s last post on X (formerly Twitter) was a tribute to her Bigg Boss 13 co-contestant and former partner, Sidharth Shukla, who also passed away due to a cardiac arrest in 2021.
The family has yet to release an official statement. Visuals from outside Shefali Jariwala's residence in Lokhandwala, Andheri, have been shared. The investigation is ongoing.
