Model-turned-actor Shefali Jariwala, 42, popularly known as the Kaanta Laga girl, passed away late Friday eveningdue to a cardiac arrest. After complaining of chest pain, she was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital, where she was declared dead on arrival.
Shefali rose to fame in the early 2000s with her iconic and trendsetting appearance in the music video Kaanta Laga. She was last seen in the popular reality show Bigg Boss 13.
In 2004, she married Harmeet Singh of the musical duo Meet Brothers, but the couple parted ways in 2009. Later, she married television actor Parag Tyagi, and the two were together until her passing.
Bollywood actors, television personalities, musicians, and fans took to social media to express their condolences. Singer Mika Singh posted on X, “I’m deeply shocked, saddened, and feeling a heavy heart… Our beloved star and my dearest friend @shefalijariwala has left us. Still can’t believe it. You will always be remembered for your grace, smile, and spirit. Om Shanti.”
Shortly after, other celebrities including Rajiv Adatia, Kamya Panjabi, and Aly Goni also expressed their shock and grief. Actor Divyanka Tripathi wrote, “It’s unbelievable. We are shocked and sad for the family.” Her Bigg Boss co-star Tehseen Poonawalla shared, “She was in Bigg Boss 13 with me. Incredible how #SidharthShukla and now she, from my season, are no more. Sending love and healing to her loved ones.”
Shefali had openly spoken about her struggles with epilepsy and depression, using her platform on reality shows to motivate and inspire others facing similar challenges.
Just 10 months ago, in a podcast hosted by fellow Bigg Boss contestant Paras Chhabra, she proudly reflected on her identity as the Kaanta Laga girl. “There can be only one Kaanta Laga girl in the whole world, and that is me,” she said. “I love it. I want to be known as the Kaanta Laga girl till the day I die. Even on my last day on this earth, I want people to remember me for that song. I’m very proud of it.”
She added, “Go anywhere—YouTube, interviews, even Bigg Boss—it’s not easy. But you tell me, how much work does an artist do just to create one identity? Like Angry Young Man or King Khan. My first project did that for me.”
