Shefali Jariwala battled epilepsy: 'First seizure at the age of 15, this went on for 15 years…'

The entertainment industry is reeling from the shocking loss of actress and model Shefali Jariwala, who passed away at 42. In the wake of this heartbreaking news, a resurfaced interview with the Kaanta Laga star reveals her health struggles and the reasons behind her career break.

Shefali Jariwala disclosed in an interview with The Times of India that she had been battling epilepsy since she was 15. “I had an epilepsy seizure at the age of 15. I remember at that time I was under tremendous pressure to do well in my studies. Stress and anxiety can lead to seizures. It’s interrelated, you could get a seizure due to depression and vice versa," she shared.

The actress openly discussed how the condition impacted her confidence and career. “I have got seizures in classrooms, backstage, while on roads, and somewhere that lowered my self-esteem," she said.

Reflecting on the impact of epilepsy on her career after Kaanta Laga, Shefali 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."

In the same interview, Shefali proudly shared that she had been seizure-free for nine years, crediting her recovery to holistic care and emotional support. “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 had said.

Reports indicate that Shefali was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital in Andheri, Mumbai, after 11 pm, accompanied by her husband, Parag Tyagi, and others. Tragically, she passed away before arrival, as confirmed by a hospital receptionist.

Hospital authorities, including Dr. Vijay Lulla, have refrained from releasing details, citing patient confidentiality. However, sources indicate her body has been sent for a postmortem to Cooper Hospital, with initial reports suggesting cardiac arrest as the likely cause of death, though no official statement from her family has been released.

Shefali Jariwala was last seen in the supernatural show Shaitani Rasmein in 2024 and was known for her outspoken presence on Bigg Boss 13. She gained initial fame in the early 2000s with the music video Kaanta Laga. She also appeared in reality shows like Boogie Woogie, Nach Baliye 5, and Nach Baliye 7.

She was previously married to musician Harmeet Singh (of Meet Brothers) in 2004, divorcing in 2009. She later married actor Parag Tyagi in 2015, who was seen heartbroken after her passing.