Shefali Jariwala, famously known as the “Kanta Laga girl,” passed away at the age of 42 due to a heart attack. While her sudden death has shocked fans, many are now reflecting on her long and quiet battle with a neurological disorder that deeply affected her career: epilepsy.
A Meteoric Rise with ‘Kanta Laga’
Back in 2002, when the remix song Kanta Laga was released, it turned 19-year-old Shefali into an overnight sensation. Her bold and energetic performance made her one of the most recognizable faces in Indian pop culture.
In 2003, Shefali was even listed among the “Breakout Stars of the Year” in a popular radio poll—alongside names like Priyanka Chopra, Shahid Kapoor, and Lara Dutta, all of whom debuted in Bollywood the same year.
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A Promising Future Cut Short
Following Kanta Laga, Shefali landed a minor role in the hit film Mujhse Shaadi Karogi, where she shared screen space with Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, and Priyanka Chopra. Her future looked bright, but surprisingly, her film journey came to a halt.
She never appeared in another major Bollywood film and only did a regional Kannada film in 2011. Her visibility remained limited to reality TV shows like Nach Baliye, Boogie Woogie, and Bigg Boss Season 3.
The Hidden Struggle: Epilepsy
In a 2020 interview with Times of India, Shefali revealed the reason behind her limited work in the entertainment industry: she had epilepsy, a condition she had been battling since the age of 15.
> “People often asked why I didn’t do more after Kanta Laga. I can say it now—I used to have epileptic seizures. That held me back,” she shared.
She explained how she never knew when the next seizure would strike—whether in a classroom, behind a stage, or on the street. This unpredictability shattered her confidence and limited her opportunities in a demanding industry.
A Silent Battle Until the End
Shefali bravely dealt with epilepsy for nearly 15 years, all while maintaining a public image filled with energy and glamour. Her struggle remained hidden from the spotlight until she openly spoke about it much later in life.
Even though her career didn’t go the expected route, Shefali became an icon—someone who lived boldly despite the challenges.
Shefali passed away due to a heart attack last night, leaving behind a legacy shaped by both stardom and struggle. Fans and peers alike mourn her loss and remember her not just as the Kanta Laga girl, but
as a fighter who lived through pain with grace.
