Shefali Jariwala may have left the world too soon, but her story and the impact of her very first music video, Kanta Laga, will stay forever in pop culture. At just 42, Shefali passed away on June 27, 2025, due to cardiac arrest. Her sudden passing has left fans in deep shock, but it has also brought her journey back into the spotlight—a journey that started with just Rs 7000.
From Engineering Books to Music Video Fame
Back when Shefali was a young engineering student, her life revolved around books, classes, and a strict academic routine. Coming from a traditional family, glamour and fame were far from her world. But she secretly dreamt of seeing herself on TV, even if it felt like an impossible wish.
One ordinary day, she was hanging out outside her college when life took a sharp turn. Music video directors Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru spotted her and offered her the chance to feature in a music video. That song turned out to be Kanta Laga. It wasn’t a planned audition. She didn’t chase it. The opportunity came on its own, and she took it, with no idea how big the outcome would be.
She Earned Rs 7000, But Gained Stardom
In an old interview, Shefali had shared that she earned only Rs 7000 for Kanta Laga. For a college student in the early 2000s, this was a decent amount, especially for a fun project she did mainly for pocket money. But the value of the experience far outweighed the money.
Her father initially opposed her decision to work in the video industry. She first spoke to her mother, who then helped her convince him. Eventually, he agreed, sensing that this bold move might open new doors for her.
He was right. The video became a massive hit across the country. Shefali’s sharp dance moves, stylish makeover, and catchy expressions caught everyone’s attention. Suddenly, a girl who had never dreamed of being a celebrity became a household name.
Facing Criticism, But Staying Strong
While the song gave Shefali fame overnight, it also brought criticism. The bold look and modern dance style shocked many at the time. She shared in interviews that she had to hear many unpleasant things and face judgment from people. But she stood strong. She knew the song had changed her life, and she never regretted her choice.
She once said, “I felt like a fairy godmother came into my life, waved her magic wand and turned me from an ordinary girl into someone new. Kanta Laga completely changed me.”
A Star Gone Too Soon
Shefali’s sudden death on Friday night left her family, especially husband Parag Tyagi, devastated. He rushed her to the hospital after the cardiac arrest, but doctors declared her dead on arrival. The entertainment industry and her fans are still in shock. Social media has been flooded with emotional tributes and memories of her dance, her smile, and the unforgettable impact of Kanta Laga.
Her story is a reminder that sometimes, a single moment, a small decision, or even Rs 7000, can change the entire course of life.
