The entertainment industry was left in shock on Friday night with the unexpected passing of actress and dancer Shefali Jariwala, best known for her breakout dance number in the early 2000s hit music video Kaanta Laga. According to reports, the 41-year-old star suffered a cardiac arrest at her Mumbai home and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. Her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, reportedly rushed her to the facility.
As tributes poured in from fans and colleagues, Shefali’s former husband, Harmeet Singh of the music duo Meet Bros, broke his silence in an emotional statement to journalist Vicky Lalwani. Speaking from Europe, where he is currently travelling, Harmeet expressed his disbelief and sorrow over the tragic news.
“The fact that Shefali (Jariwala) is no more is shattering. I am in Europe,” Harmeet said, visibly shaken.
Harmeet and Shefali were married from 2005 to 2009. Though their relationship ended over a decade ago, he revealed that they had shared moments of cordiality in recent years. Recalling one such encounter, he said, “I remember having gone to Bangladesh for a show, about two-three years ago. Sunny Leone and Shefali were also there. We three came back together in a private plane, and Shefali and I sat next to each other. And yes, there was quite a long conversation that we had. Apart from that, I did meet her at a few events and parties where I remember we both wishing each other warmly.”
Harmeet also took to Instagram Stories to share a photograph of Shefali, alongside a heartfelt message. “One of the most shocking moments of my life. I’m absolutely shattered and in disbelief after hearing about Shefali’s sudden and untimely demise,” he wrote.
He continued, “We shared few beautiful years together a long time ago — memories I’ll always hold close to my heart. My deepest condolences to her parents — Satish ji and Sunita ji, her husband Parag, and her sister Shivani. Being away in Europe right now, it’s painful for me not to be able to be there for the last rites.”
He concluded his message saying, “Gone far too soon. I pray to the Almighty for her soul to rest in peace, and strength to the family during this unimaginable time. Jai Shree Krishna.”
Shefali Jariwala first captured the public’s attention in 2002 with the song Kaanta Laga, which turned her into a household name overnight. She later appeared in the Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar film Mujhse Shaadi Karogi.
In the years that followed, she transitioned into television, appearing in reality shows such as Nach Baliye with her husband Parag Tyagi, and later Bigg Boss 13.