The sudden demise of actress and model Shefali Jariwala has left the entertainment industry in deep shock. Shefali, best known for her appearance in the iconic music video Kaanta Laga, passed away at the age of 42. According to reports, she suffered a heart attack at her residence in Mumbai. Her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, rushed her to Bellevue Multispecialty Hospital. Unfortunately, doctors declared her dead on arrival.
Shefali was known for her fitness and healthy lifestyle. She exercised regularly and maintained a disciplined routine. Therefore, her untimely death has raised many questions. While the initial cause is said to be a heart attack, the final confirmation will come only after the post-mortem report. Interestingly, the police found anti-ageing tablets at her home. It is being speculated that she may have consumed them on an empty stomach, which possibly led to a drop in blood pressure and triggered the heart attack. However, authorities have ruled out any foul play.
Varun Dhawan Speaks Out
As the industry mourned Shefali’s loss, actor Varun Dhawan took a strong stand against the media’s coverage of her funeral. On Sunday, he posted a heartfelt message on his Instagram story.
He wrote: “Once again, the demise of a soul (Shefali Jariwala) is being covered insensitively by the media. I don’t understand why you have to cover someone’s grief? Everyone looks so uncomfortable with this. What is anyone getting out of this? My request to my friends in the media is that no one would want to cover their last journey in this way.”
Among the many who agreed was actress Janhvi Kapoor. She shared Varun’s post on her own Instagram story, adding, “Finally someone said it.” His words struck a chord with many. Fans flooded his post with supportive comments like “True,” and “Thank you for speaking up.”
Parag Tyagi’s Plea
The media’s behavior during Shefali last rites has drawn widespread criticism. Her funeral took place on Saturday and was heavily covered by paparazzi. Videos of a grieving Parag Tyagi and his family circulated online, sparking outrage. Despite being visibly heartbroken, Parag was surrounded by cameras. At one point, he folded his hands and pleaded with the media to stop recording. “Please, mat karo,” he said, his voice filled with pain.
A Call for Compassion
Unfortunately, his request went unheard. The cameras kept rolling. The intrusion into such a private moment was deeply unsettling. Actress Rashami Desai and several other celebrities also condemned the media’s insensitivity.
This incident has reignited the debate around media ethics and the need for boundaries during moments of personal grief. While public figures often live under the spotlight, their pain should not become a spectacle. Varun Dhawan’s post has become a rallying cry for dignity and respect in times of loss. As the industry continues to mourn Shefali Jariwala, one thing is clear—there is an urgent need for empathy. Let grief be private. Let mourning be sacred.
