Bollywood Star Shefali Jariwala Dies at 42 After Cardiac Arrest in Mumbai

Shefali Jariwala, 42, has reportedly died, as tributes have already begun to pour in for the reality TV star and model

Indian actress and model Shefali Jariwala, widely known for her iconic role in the early 2000s music video Kaanta Laga, has died at the age of 42. Jariwala reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest and passed away at Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital in Mumbai late Thursday night.

The news of her sudden death has sent shockwaves through the Indian entertainment industry, with celebrities and fans expressing their grief and disbelief over the loss of the popular Bollywood personality.

Jariwala rose to fame as the 'Kaanta Laga girl' for her appearance in the wildly popular music video

Jariwala rose to fame after starring in Kaanta Laga by DJ Doll, a remix music video that revolutionized India’s pop culture landscape. Her bold and charismatic performance earned her the nickname "Kaanta Laga Girl," and cemented her status as a youth icon of the early 2000s.

She also featured in several Bollywood films including Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, Shaitani Rasmein, and the Kannada-language hit Hudugaru. Her career saw a resurgence when she appeared in the reality television show Bigg Boss 13, a widely followed Indian version of Big Brother, where she quickly became a fan favorite.

Jariwala was also popular for her appearance on the popular Big Brother spinoff, Bigg Boss 13

Her untimely death prompted heartfelt tributes from fellow celebrities. Actor Aly Goni wrote on X, “Shocked and saddened to hear about Shefali Jariwala’s sudden demise. Life is so unpredictable. Rest in peace.” Rapper Mika Singh also shared his sorrow on Instagram, stating, “I’m deeply shocked, saddened, and feeling a heavy heart… Our beloved star and my dearest friend has left us. Still can’t believe it. You will always be remembered for your grace, smile, and spirit. Om Shanti.”

Fans across social media echoed their sentiments, mourning the loss of a star who helped shape India’s remix and reality TV eras. “The OG baddie, the first one to start the remix pop revolution in India,” one fan wrote. “Very sad to see her go away so soon. Classy and beautiful soul. Om Shanti.”

Jariwala was married to Indian actor Parag Tyagi. She's pictured here with Tyagi at an event in Mumbai in 2024

Jariwala remained active on social media up until her passing. Her final Instagram post just a week ago featured a video of herself preparing for an event, with text that read, “It’s time for us to start living life like everything is working out in our favour.” The post, now flooded with shocked and grieving comments, has become a somber reminder of life’s fragility.

Her last post on X was a photo of her with Bigg Boss 13 winner Sidharth Shukla, who also died young in 2021. She captioned the post, “Thinking of you today mere dost.”

Jariwala is survived by her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, known for his roles in Ruler, Phhir, and Sarkar 3.