The sudden demise of actress and model Shefali Jariwala at the age of 42 has left fans and the entertainment industry in deep mourning. As tributes pour in, a resurfaced interview has shed light on the private health battle the ‘Kaanta Laga’ star faced for over a decade, one that drastically shaped her career choices and personal journey.
In a candid conversation with The Times of India, Shefali revealed she had been battling epilepsy since the age of 15, a condition that led to unpredictable seizures and significantly impacted her self-confidence and professional opportunities. “I had an epilepsy seizure at the age of 15… stress and anxiety can lead to seizures. It’s interrelated you could get a seizure due to depression and vice versa,” she had shared.
“Couldn’t Take Up Much Work After Kaanta Laga,” Said Shefali
Shefali Jariwala rose to instant fame in the early 2000s with her breakout performance in the iconic music video Kaanta Laga. However, fans were left wondering why she didn’t pursue more projects during her peak.In the resurfaced interview, she explained: “After I did Kaanta Laga, people asked me why I didn’t do more work. I can now say that it was because of the epilepsy seizures that I couldn’t take up much work. I didn’t know when I would get my next seizure… this went on for 15 years.”
The actress spoke openly about the toll the condition took on her confidence. “I have got seizures in classrooms, backstage, while on roads, and somewhere that lowered my self-esteem,” she said.
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‘Proud of Managing Depression Naturally’: Shefali’s Inspiring Recovery
Despite the challenges, Shefali had turned a corner in recent years. She proudly stated that she had been seizure-free for nine years, attributing her recovery to holistic treatments and a strong emotional support system.
“I am proud of myself because I managed my depression, panic attacks and anxiety naturally and with the help of a strong support system,” she said.
Shefali passed away on Thursday, reportedly due to cardiac arrest. She was rushed to Bellevue Multispecialty Hospital by her husband Parag Tyagi and others, but was declared dead on arrival. Her body was later shifted to Cooper Hospital for post-mortem examination.
The family has not yet issued an official statement. Meanwhile, condolences continue to flood social media, with fans and celebrities alike expressing disbelief and sorrow over the untimely loss of the beloved actress.
