The untimely death of actor and dancer Shefali Jariwala has left both fans and the entertainment industry in shock.
The 42-year-old, best known for her breakthrough performance in the 2002 music video Kaanta Laga, passed away on June 27 following a cardiac arrest. Now, directors Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru—who helmed the iconic video—have paid an emotional tribute, announcing they will retire the song forever in her memory.
“We’re Retiring Kaanta Laga Forever”
Taking to Instagram on Thursday, Radhika and Vinay shared a heartfelt joint statement along with a photo from their first shoot with Shefali. “Yesterday was the prayer meeting. Saying the final goodbyes… With our first photo session together… Kaanta Laga – CD Inlay Card.”
The duo reminisced about their time working with Shefali and reaffirmed their decision never to recreate or continue the Kaanta Laga legacy with anyone else.
“You always said you wanted to be the one and only Kaanta Laga girl. So we never made a sequel — and we never will. We’re retiring Kaanta Laga forever. It was always yours. It will always be yours… Shefali… RIP.”
Discovered by Chance, Remembered Forever
In an earlier interview with ANI, the directors recounted how they first discovered Shefali.
“Radhika and I were driving on Linking Road in Bandra and passed a young girl hugging her mother while crossing on a scooter. Radhika felt she had something special. We stopped, spoke to her, and invited her to our office. That’s how the journey began,” recalled Vinay Sapru.
Tragic Death and Final Rites
On June 27, Shefali was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital by her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest. She was declared dead on arrival. Her body was sent for a post-mortem, though authorities have stated that the exact cause of death remains “reserved” pending further examination.
Her last rites were performed the following day and were attended by several figures from the television and film industries.
A Brief But Memorable Career
After becoming a national sensation with Kaanta Laga, Shefali went on to appear in Mujhse Shaadi Karogi (2004) alongside Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar. Her film career, however, remained short-lived, as she declined many offers while managing her struggle with epilepsy.
Shefali later found renewed popularity on television, appearing in Bigg Boss 13 and Nach Baliye (seasons 5 and 7), the latter with her husband Parag Tyagi.
