The entertainment world was left stunned late Friday night with the untimely death of actor and dancer Shefali Jariwala. The 42-year-old, best remembered for her breakout appearance in the early-2000s remix hit 'Kaanta Laga', passed away in Mumbai. Her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, was spotted leaving Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital where Shefali was declared dead on arrival at around 11:15 PM. The moments following her death, however, sparked outrage online for how paparazzi behaved outside.
Parag Tyagi requests paparazzi for privacy
In a viral video, Parag was seen exiting the hospital, visibly distressed, while being hounded by photographers. The footage, widely circulated online, prompted strong criticism from fans and social media users who condemned the intrusive media behavior.
On Saturday morning, Parag was again seen at Cooper Hospital, where Shefali’s body was taken for postmortem. In a heartbreaking moment, he folded his hands and pleaded with the paparazzi to give his family some privacy, an appeal that many felt should not have been necessary in such a tragic time.
Netizens criticise paparazzi
The internet has not taken kindly to how the media handled the situation. Comment sections on Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) are filled with messages blasting the insensitivity of capturing such vulnerable moments on camera.
“Can we please stop filming people who are trying to cope with someone's sudden demise? Why is the media so insensitive?” read one popular comment.
Another user wrote, "Give this man some space."
"Guy's it's difficult time for them, please allow them some space," read another comment.
Another user wrote, “Give them privacy, please. They must be in shock and feeling so sad and angry at losing her like that. Don't put cameras and flashlights on their faces.”
Echoing the same sentiment, a viewer asked, "Bhai thoda privacy de do??? Thoda sa??" (Can you give them some privacy, maybe a little?)
Shefali Jariwala's death
The cause of death is yet to be officially determined. “Her body was found at her residence in Andheri. The police received the information at 1 am (Saturday). Her body has been sent to Cooper Hospital for postmortem. The cause of her death is not yet clear,” a Mumbai Police official told PTI.
A forensic team and local police were dispatched to her apartment in the Golden Rays-Y building in Andheri as part of the investigation.
Jariwala, who gained national fame with Kaanta Laga in 2002, later appeared on popular reality shows such as Nach Baliye and Bigg Boss 13, where she was admired for her candidness and grace. She was married to Parag Tyagi since 2014 and the couple had often shared glimpses of their life together on social media.
Also read: Shefali Jariwala’s Last X Post To ‘Dost’ Sidharth Shukla Leaves Fans Emotional