Kanta Girl dies under mysterious circumstances- SUDEP Suspected? Battled Epilepsy for 15 Years

National News: Actress and model Shefali Jariwala, widely recognized for her iconic appearance in the 2002 music video ‘Kanta Laga,’ has died at the age of 42. The sudden news of her death has left the entertainment industry and her fans in deep shock. While initial reports suggest cardiac arrest as the cause, the statement issued by the Mumbai Police presents a different picture, leaving the circumstances of her death uncertain.

Body Found at Andheri Residence, Police Begin Probe

As per reports by news agency ANI, Shefali Jariwala was found dead late Wednesday night at her apartment in the Andheri area of Mumbai. Police received an alert around 1:00 AM, after which officials reached the location and sent the body for post-mortem at Cooper Hospital.

Authorities have stated that the exact cause of death will only be confirmed after autopsy results are reviewed. Meanwhile, tributes have begun pouring in on social media, where fans are mourning the loss of the beloved actress.

Cardiac Arrest Suspected, But Not Confirmed

Filmmaker Ashok Pandit expressed his condolences, saying, “We lost a talented artist to cardiac arrest.” However, Mumbai Police have not officially confirmed this cause, making the incident even more mysterious and tragic.

#WATCH | Mumbai: Indian Filmmaker Ashoke Pandit says, "Sad and shocked to hear the tragic demise of one of the finest actresses, Shefali Jariwala, due to cardiac arrest. She was just 42 years old. A very good human being, a brilliant actress and a great loss to the industry...… pic.twitter.com/n3RIvq0YUb

— ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2025

Shefali Had Been Battling Epilepsy Since Age 15

As speculation around her health mounts, Shefali’s past struggle with epilepsy has come into focus. In a 2020 interview with The Times of India, Shefali Jariwala disclosed that she had been battling epilepsy since the age of 15.  Stress and anxiety often triggered seizures, she said, affecting her mental well-being and physical health, including unexpected weight gain. 

Can Epilepsy Cause Sudden Death?

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder marked by abnormal brain activity, often resulting in seizures. While not typically fatal, it can—in rare cases—lead to SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy).

According to a study published by NCBI, patients with epilepsy are at higher risk of cardiac arrest, particularly during seizures that affect heart rhythm (ventricular fibrillation), making it a potential—though rare—cause of sudden death.

‘Kanta Laga’ and the Rise of a Pop Icon

Shefali Jariwala shot to fame in 2002 with the release of ‘Kanta Laga’, a music video that redefined pop culture trends at the time. Her confident on-screen persona and high-energy dance performances struck a chord with the younger audience almost instantly. Though she appeared in a few films and reality shows thereafter, it was her Kanta Laga Girl image that became timeless in Indian pop history.

Awaiting Post-Mortem Report

Mumbai Police have launched an investigation and are awaiting post-mortem findings to determine the definitive cause of death. Close friends and family members are being questioned as part of the standard protocol in such cases.

Tributes have poured in from celebrities, colleagues, and fans across social media platforms. #ShefaliJariwala is trending as users share heartfelt messages, iconic video clips, and memories that celebrate her legacy.

#WATCH | Mumbai: Earlier visuals from outside Cooper Hospital where the body of actress-model Shefali Jariwala has been brought for postmortem.

Mumbai Police say, "Her body was found at her residence in Andheri area. Mumbai Police received information about this at 1 am. Her… pic.twitter.com/8Bptg7qhCd

— ANI (@ANI) June 28, 2025