In a heartbreaking turn of events, Indian actress and model Shefali Jariwala, famously known as the “Kaanta Laga Girl,” passed away at the age of 42 in Mumbai on June 27, 2025. The news of her sudden demise has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and her vast fanbase, with tributes pouring in across social media.
According to The Times of India, Shefali reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest late Friday night and was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital in Andheri by her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, accompanied by three others. Tragically, hospital staff confirmed that she had already passed away before arrival, stating, “Shefali had expired before she was brought in.”
While initial reports point to cardiac arrest, official confirmation is still pending, and neither Shefali’s family nor her representatives have released a formal statement.
Shefali Jariwala skyrocketed to fame in 2002 with her bold and captivating performance in the remixed music video Kaanta Laga, a chartbuster that became a cultural phenomenon and earned her the moniker “Kaanta Laga Girl.” At just 20 years old, her glamorous screen presence and confident dance moves made her a household name, cementing her as a pop culture icon of the early 2000s.
Beyond Kaanta Laga, Shefali showcased her versatility in Bollywood with a role in the 2004 hit Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, starring alongside Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar. She later transitioned to television, captivating audiences with her charm on reality shows like Boogie Woogie, Nach Baliye (seasons 5 and 7) alongside her husband Parag Tyagi, and Bigg Boss 13 in 2019, where her composed demeanor and heartfelt bond with co-contestant Sidharth Shukla won over viewers. Her final role was in the 2024 supernatural series Shaitani Rasmein, further showcasing her range.
Shefali’s journey wasn’t without challenges. In a past interview with ETimes, she opened up about her battle with epilepsy, which began at age 15 due to academic stress. Despite these struggles, she remained a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and women’s empowerment, earning respect both on and off-screen.
Shefali was married to actor Parag Tyagi since 2015, following her divorce from musician Harmeet Singh of Meet Brothers in 2009. The news of Shefali’s untimely passing has left the entertainment world reeling.
