Mumbai: Popular actor and model Shefali Jariwala passed away late Friday night following a suspected cardiac arrest at her Mumbai residence. Her last rites were performed on Saturday evening in the presence of close family members and friends.

The sudden death of the 41-year-old actress has shocked fans across the country.

She first gained fame with the hit 2002 music video ‘Kaanta Laga’, and later appeared in ‘Mujhse Shaadi Karogi’ alongside Akshay Kumar and Salman Khan.

She also featured in television shows like Nach Baliye with husband Parag Tyagi and Bigg Boss 13.

According to media reports, Shefali was regularly consuming anti-ageing medicines for the last seven-eight years.

“There was a puja at home on June 27, due to which Shefali was fasting. Despite this, she took an injection of anti-ageing medicine in the afternoon of the same day,” said a source.

The source explained that these medicines had been prescribed by a doctor years ago and were taken on a monthly basis.

“So far in the police investigation, it has come to light that these medicines could be a major reason for cardiac arrest,” the source added.

Timeline of the incident

Shefali’s health reportedly began to deteriorate between 10 and 11 pm on Friday night.

“Between 10 and 11 pm, Shefali's health suddenly deteriorated. The body started trembling and she fell unconscious. She was immediately taken to the hospital. At that time, Shefali, her husband Parag, mother and some other people were present at home,” said the source.

Parag Tyagi rushed her to Bellevue Hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival.

Forensic team collects evidence

Investigators have collected several medical items from the residence.

“The forensic team has seized a variety of medicines from the house, including anti-ageing vials, vitamin supplements and gastric pills,” the source said.

So far, police have recorded the statements of eight individuals, including family members, domestic help, and doctors from Bellevue Hospital.

Authorities have stated that there is no indication of any quarrel or suspicious activity linked to the incident.

“The investigation has not found any signs of dispute or quarrel so far. The police and forensic team will now take further action based on the postmortem report and lab tests of the medicines,” the source concluded.

Awaiting official cause of death

The official cause of death is still pending. Police say further action will depend on postmortem results and chemical analysis of the substances collected from the house.
(With agency inputs)