The entertainment world is reeling from the sudden death of Shefali Jariwala, the iconic Kaanta Laga girl and Bigg Boss 13 star, who passed away at 42 from a cardiac arrest on June 27, 2025. Fans and celebrities are heartbroken—here’s what happened, her legacy, and how to honor her memory.
A Shocking Loss in Mumbai
Shefali Jariwala, beloved for her sizzling 2002 music video Kaanta Laga, died late Thursday night, June 27, 2025, after suffering a cardiac arrest at her Andheri home in Mumbai. Her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, rushed her to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital, but she was declared dead on arrival, a hospital receptionist confirmed.
I was scrolling social media last night when the news broke—fans were in disbelief, flooding her last Instagram post with messages like “Can’t believe you’re gone”. The tragedy echoes the 2021 loss of her Bigg Boss 13 co-star Sidharth Shukla, also to a cardiac arrest.
From Kaanta Laga to Bigg Boss Fame
Shefali burst onto the scene at 20 with Kaanta Laga, a remix that became a pop culture sensation with her bold dance moves. She later shone on reality shows like Nach Baliye with Parag and Bigg Boss 13, where her warmth and past romance with Shukla sparked buzz.
Her cameo in Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004) and role in the 2024 show Shaitani Rasmein showed her versatility. Just 10 months ago, she told a podcast she wanted to be the “Kaanta Laga girl till the day I die”, a wish that now feels hauntingly bittersweet. Our reporters met a fan at a Mumbai cafe who said her vibrant energy on Bigg Boss made her feel like a friend you rooted for.
Tributes Pour In, Questions Linger
Celebrities like Aly Goni and Mika Singh shared gut-wrenching tributes. Goni posted, “Still can’t believe it. Your smile will live on. Om Shanti.” Mumbai Police and a forensic team are investigating at her residence, with her body sent to Cooper Hospital for a post-mortem. Some reports suggest her history of epilepsy may have contributed, but the exact cause awaits confirmation.
A Life of Dreams Unfulfilled
Shefali’s personal story was as compelling as her career. After a tough first marriage to Harmeet Singh, she found love with Parag Tyagi, marrying him in 2014. She openly shared her dream of adopting a baby girl, a plan she and Parag discussed after Bigg Boss.
“It’s not an easy road”, she said in a 2024 interview, but her hope was infectious. Her last Instagram post, captioned “It’s time to start living life”, showed her radiant in a silver jumpsuit, now a viral symbol of her zest for life. I can’t help but think of how she inspired fans to embrace their spark, even through struggles.