🧬 Early Life & Education
Born: December 15, 1982, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India
Birth name: Shefali Zariwala; later used Jariwala after marriage
Education:
Attended Jamnabai Narsee School (Gujarat)
Graduated with a B.E. in Information Technology from Sardar Patel College of Engineering
🌟 Rise to Stardom
Breakthrough: Became a household name in 2002 with the remix music video “Kaanta Laga”, earning her the moniker “Kaanta Laga Girl” . The chartbuster was directed by Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru She once said, “I want to be known as the Kaanta Laga girl till the day I die” — a sentiment that came full circle with her sudden passing
🎬 Career Overview
Music Videos & Films
Starred in other remixes like “Kabhi Aar Kabhi Paar” (2002) and “Pyaar Hamein Kis Mod Pe Le Aaya” (2006) Made a cameo in Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004), alongside Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar
Appeared in the Kannada film Hudugaru (2011) (credited as Pankaja)
Reality TV & Web Series
Contestant on Boogie Woogie (2008) Participated in dance reality shows Nach Baliye 5 (2012) and Nach Baliye 7 (2015), alongside husband Parag Tyagi
Entered Bigg Boss 13 as a wild card in 2019 — her honesty and strength resonated with viewers
Acted in web series like Baby Come Naa (2018, ALT Balaji) and Booo Sabki Phategi (2019)
💪 Personal Life & Challenges
Marriages:
Married music director Harmeet Singh (Meet Bros) in 2005; divorced in 2009 amid allegations of abuse Married actor Parag Tyagi in August 2014; their relationship was highlighted during their couple’s appearances on dance shows
Health:
Struggled with epileptic seizures since age 15, triggered by stress and anxiety — she openly discussed these
Also faced bouts of depression, and credited exercise and mental health advocacy for her resilience
🎉 Public Persona & Media Presence
Engaged with fans on TikTok and social media, sharing dance videos and health tips
Highlighted her cultural roots, celebrating festivals like Diwali and Navratri while married to Parag in Mumbai — balancing family values with her career .
💔 Sudden Passing
Date of Death: June 27, 2025 — died of a cardiac arrest at age 42; pronounced dead on arrival at Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital, Mumbai
Reported that she experienced intense chest pain before the event; husband Parag Tyagi and others rushed her to the hospital .
Mourning was swift and heartfelt — tributes poured in from peers like Aly Goni, Mika Singh, and others from Bigg Boss fame
🕯️ Legacy & Impact
A pop culture icon of the early 2000s in India, Shefali's rise — from engineering student to major-belial music video star — was meteoric
Known for her candor, she broke barriers by speaking out about health struggles and mental wellness, offering inspiration to many .
Her diverse portfolio — music videos, films, dance and reality TV, OTT — reflected adaptability and a willingness to evolve
📝 Summary
Shefali Jariwala (1982–2025) was an Indian model and actress whose career-defining appearance in Kaanta Laga catapulted her to fame. She later expanded into films, reality TV, and digital series. She battled epilepsy and depression with courage, openly shared her journey, and became a vocal advocate for mental health. Her sudden death at 42 from a heart attack deeply shook the entertainment industry and her millions of fans.
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