The entertainment industry is in shock following the sudden death of actress and model Shefali Jariwala, best known for her "Kaanta Laga" music video. She passed away on Friday night in Mumbai at the age of 42. Initial reports suggest the cause of death was a cardiac arrest. Her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, rushed her to the hospital, but she was declared dead on arrival.
While the exact cause of death is still under investigation, police sources have suggested that anti-aging injections Jariwala had been taking for several years may have contributed to the cardiac arrest. According to officials, she had been taking these injections monthly for about eight years. Police are also investigating if taking the injection while fasting may have been a factor. Authorities await the post-mortem report to confirm the actual cause of death. The post-mortem was conducted at Cooper Hospital in Mumbai.
Jariwala's last rites were performed on Saturday evening in Mumbai, with family members and close friends in attendance. Videos circulating online show a distraught Parag Tyagi during the rituals. Celebrities such as Arti Singh, Sunidhi Chauhan, and Mahira Sharma were also present to pay their respects.
The news of Jariwala’s death has triggered a wave of grief and disbelief among her fans and colleagues. Many have expressed their shock and offered condolences to her family. Several of Jariwala's industry friends have shared their condolences and expressed shock over her sudden demise. Actress Rashami Desai defended Parag Tyagi after he faced criticism for walking their dog after Jariwala’s death. Desai emphasized that the dog was like a son to Shefali, and urged the media to respect the family’s grief.
Jariwala's death has also sparked discussions about the increasing incidence of cardiac issues, specifically sudden cardiac death (SCD), in young adults, and especially among middle-aged women in India. Experts emphasize the importance of regular check-ups, stress management, and healthy lifestyles to mitigate the risk of heart-related problems. They also noted that heart disease is increasingly affecting Indians in their 30s to 50s. Factors such as stress, irregular lifestyles, and poor diets are contributing to this alarming trend.
Shefali Jariwala rose to fame in 2002 with the hit music video "Kaanta Laga". She also appeared in the film "Mujhse Shaadi Karogi" and participated in reality shows like "Nach Baliye" and "Bigg Boss 13". Her participation in "Bigg Boss 13" gained attention due to her past relationship with fellow contestant Sidharth Shukla, who also passed away due to cardiac arrest in 2021.
Before marrying Parag Tyagi in 2014, Shefali was married to musician Harmeet Singh. The couple separated in 2009, with Jariwala alleging domestic abuse. She stated that emotional respect was absent in their marriage, causing her mental distress.
Jariwala's unexpected death serves as a reminder of the importance of heart health awareness and the need for proactive measures to prevent cardiac events, especially among women. Her legacy extends beyond her entertainment career, highlighting the urgent need for attention and action regarding women's cardiac health.