Shefali Jariwala’s Final Hours: Fasting, IV Drip, and the Unanswered Questions Around Her Sudden Cardiac Arrest
On June 27, India was stunned by the news of Shefali Jariwala‘s untimely death. Best known for her role in the iconic music video “Kaanta Laga,” the 42-year-old actor reportedly died of a cardiac arrest after a day of religious fasting and taking medication on an empty stomach. Those close to her say the day started with a Satyanarayan Puja, a popular Hindu ritual for prosperity—and ended in tragedy.
Timeline of Shefali Jariwala’s Final Day
The ritual began in the morning on June 27. Shefali had organized a Satyanarayan Puja at her family home, a ceremony traditionally observed to bless the household. Part of the religious observance included fasting, which she followed strictly throughout the day.
Later that evening, around 10:30 pm, events began to spiral. Parag Tyagi, her husband and noted TV actor, was out walking their dog. A frantic call from the house help came next—Shefali had collapsed. He rushed upstairs and found her unresponsive but with a pulse. She appeared heavy and immobile—something wasn’t right.
Parag rushed Shefali to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital in Andheri, Mumbai. By the time they arrived, doctors declared her brought dead. The news took even close friends by surprise.
Official Statements from Friends and Law Enforcement
“Parag said that her pulse was still on, her eyes were not opening, and she just had dead weight to her body,” said her friend Pooja Ghai to journalist Vivek Lalwani.
Police sources confirmed that Shefali had been fasting as part of her religious observance. Investigators were informed of her death within an hour. Officers reached the hospital before midnight. A post-mortem was done the following day at R N Cooper Hospital in Juhu.
Search at Home Raises Eyebrows
During a routine search at their Mumbai apartment, police reportedly came across several medicinal items: two boxes of anti-ageing medications, vitamin supplements labeled for “skin glow,” and vials of glutathione—a drug commonly promoted for its skin-brightening properties.
Also found were Vitamin-C IV drip packs. According to Pooja Ghai, Shefali had administered one of these drips on the same night she passed away. “It’s not unsafe,” Ghai claimed. “It’s very common in Dubai.”
But questions linger. Were these supplements prescribed? Did Shefali consult a medical professional before using them, especially while fasting? Her family confirmed she often used over-the-counter pills without professional guidance.
Community Response: Disbelief and Grief
Public and private reactions to Shefali Jariwala’s sudden demise have blended sorrow with widespread confusion. Her death, while ruled as cardiac arrest initially, hasn’t been declared fully explained. Family, friends, fans—all seem to be struggling to wrap their heads around what went wrong.
- Many fans recall her as the girl from “Kaanta Laga,” the video that defined a pop culture moment in early 2000s India.
- She had continued working sporadically, appearing in reality shows but never regaining the spotlight in quite the same way.
- Social media was flooded with tributes, throwback pictures, and expressions of disbelief.
Her husband has stayed largely away from the media since the incident. No foul play is suspected, as confirmed by police, though several statements have been recorded—from family, domestic staff, and close friends.
Health Risks: Fasting and Self-Medication
The tragedy puts a spotlight on an uncomfortable but necessary conversation. Can spiritual fasting mixed with certain medical supplements be fatal? Shefali was reportedly taking skin-brightening pills and intravenous vitamins, including Vitamin-C and glutathione. Experts in health forums have flagged that taking such substances without professional supervision can be dangerous—even more so when the user is fasting.
Doctors commenting unofficially have suggested that long hours without food may trigger drops in blood pressure. When combined with medication or supplements, the balance can tip quicker than expected. The final trigger point, based on initial assessments, seems to have been a sharp drop in blood pressure leading to cardiac arrest.
Ongoing Investigation and Post-Mortem Results
Although her cremation has already taken place, the case remains under medical review. The autopsy was video-recorded as per standard protocol and conducted at R N Cooper Hospital. Preliminary reports point to cardiac arrest, but viscus samples have been preserved and sent to the Kalina Forensic Science Laboratory.
The toxicological and histopathological analysis could take up to three months. These are expected to provide clearer answers about what substances were in her system and how they interacted with her body during the fasting state.
Until that report arrives, both police and the media are treading carefully. No premature assumptions are being made, though the overlap of spiritual, medical, and lifestyle choices is hard to ignore in this case.
Reflection from Her Legacy
Despite the fame fading somewhat after her initial burst into the limelight in 2002, Shefali Jariwala remained an active and regarded name in TV circles. Whether it was her stints on reality TV, occasional guest appearances, or wellness promotion—she sustained a quiet presence in public life. Her tragic death now draws focus to how personal practices, no matter how benign they seem, can have unintended outcomes when not properly managed.
She was 42, and full of plans, reportedly. There were social media posts, collaborative ideas in the pipeline, and a strong partnership with Parag, by all accounts. Many fans had no indication that anything was off.
What’s Next?
The ongoing forensic procedure could bring answers. Until then, the incident has sparked debates around self-medication, the growing use of skin-brightening supplements, and the normalization of IV drips for cosmetic purposes. The fact that none of this appeared remarkable within her circle speaks to how common—perhaps worryingly so—these practices have become.
We’ll keep watching this case, as will many. The next few months may offer more clarity. In the meantime, perhaps there’s something to be said about moderation—not just in diet, but in all things we do in pursuit of wellness and aesthetics.
Whether you observed her career from afar or danced to that unforgettable remix back in the day, Shefali Jariwala’s story has ended too suddenly. What remains are questions, memories, and the very human need to understand why.
