Shefali Jariwala, fondly known across the nation as the “Kaanta Laga” girl, passed away at the age of 42, leaving behind a wave of shock and sorrow among fans, friends, and the entertainment industry. In a heartfelt tribute, the creators of the iconic song have announced that there will never be a sequel to Kaanta Laga, ensuring the legacy remains solely hers.
Directors Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, who launched Shefali into stardom with the 2002 remix, took to Instagram after her prayer meet and shared an emotional note:
"Yesterday was the prayer meeting. Saying the final goodbyes… with our first photo session together… Kaanta Laga – CD inlay card. You always said you wanted to be the one and only ‘Kaanta Laga’ girl. So we never made a sequel — and we never will. We’re retiring Kaanta Laga forever. It was always yours. It will always be yours… Shefali… RIP."
Shefali became a household name overnight after the release of Kaanta Laga, a remix that defined an era in Indian pop music. Her bold look, confident moves, and unforgettable screen presence became symbolic of a cultural shift in the early 2000s. It was always her wish to be remembered as the original and only “Kaanta Laga girl.”
Her untimely passing, reportedly due to a sudden cardiac arrest, came as a shock. A prayer meet was held in Mumbai five days after her death, where her family, including husband Parag Tyagi, and close friends paid their respects.
With the creators retiring Kaanta Laga as a tribute to Shefali’s memory, the song now stands as a timeless symbol of her legacy. It will forever belong to her — the girl who lit up screens and hearts with a single track. As fans and admirers mourn her loss, Shefali Jariwala will always be remembered as the one and only Kaanta Laga girl.
Check out the post: