Bollywood actress Shefali Jariwala passed away on June 27, 2025, reportedly due to cardiac arrest, at the age of 42. Known for her unforgettable appearance in the chartbuster remix Kaanta Laga, Jariwala’s sudden demise has left fans and the entertainment industry in shock.
Here’s a look back at how she unexpectedly became one of the most recognisable faces of early 2000s Indian pop culture.
In a past interview with digital platform HerZindagi, Jariwala had shared the story of how she was discovered. “It was not a struggle for me at all,” she recalled. “I was standing outside my college with some friends when the directors of Kaanta Laga, Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, spotted me.”
Also Read: Shefali Jariwala, known for Kaanta Laga and Bigg Boss, dies at the age of 42 in Mumbai
She initially thought it was a prank. “I come from a very academic family. So, it was very impossible for me that how will I get permission at home for this,” she said.
Convincing her parents, she admitted, wasn’t easy. “I laugh a lot today when thinking about it... because what did we not do to convince my parents. Somehow our directors convinced my father,” she had said.
What followed was a cultural moment that defined the remix era in Indian pop music. “I didn’t expect that it will be an overnight success and my whole life changed. For me, it was like that,” she had reflected.
Over the years, Jariwala featured in films, reality shows—including Bigg Boss 13. But for an entire generation, she will always be remembered as the original Kaanta Laga girl.
Here’s a look back at how she unexpectedly became one of the most recognisable faces of early 2000s Indian pop culture.
In a past interview with digital platform HerZindagi, Jariwala had shared the story of how she was discovered. “It was not a struggle for me at all,” she recalled. “I was standing outside my college with some friends when the directors of Kaanta Laga, Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, spotted me.”
Also Read: Shefali Jariwala, known for Kaanta Laga and Bigg Boss, dies at the age of 42 in Mumbai
She initially thought it was a prank. “I come from a very academic family. So, it was very impossible for me that how will I get permission at home for this,” she said.
Convincing her parents, she admitted, wasn’t easy. “I laugh a lot today when thinking about it... because what did we not do to convince my parents. Somehow our directors convinced my father,” she had said.
What followed was a cultural moment that defined the remix era in Indian pop music. “I didn’t expect that it will be an overnight success and my whole life changed. For me, it was like that,” she had reflected.
Over the years, Jariwala featured in films, reality shows—including Bigg Boss 13. But for an entire generation, she will always be remembered as the original Kaanta Laga girl.
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