Shefali Jariwala’s Sudden Death Sparks Alarm Over Fitness, Anti-Ageing Drugs, and Cardiac Health

GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 30th June: The unexpected demise of Shefali Jariwala, the 42-year-old actor and dancer who rose to fame with the early 2000s music video Kaanta Laga, has sent shockwaves across the nation. Known for her visibly fit lifestyle and disciplined routine, Shefali died of a sudden cardiac arrest late on June 27, raising questions about heart health risks even among health-conscious individuals in their 30s and 40s.

According to preliminary reports, Shefali began feeling unwell between 10 and 11 pm on June 27, just hours after receiving a regular dose of her anti-ageing treatment. She lost consciousness and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared her dead on arrival. Her doctor confirmed she had been undergoing anti-ageing treatments for the past eight years, including injections of glutathione and Vitamin C — commonly used for skin lightening and rejuvenation.

The cause of death is yet to be officially confirmed as the postmortem report is awaited. However, early findings have pointed to “low blood pressure, cardiac arrest, and a heavy gastric condition.” Police have ruled out foul play but are investigating the role of her ongoing treatments. Vials of anti-ageing injections, vitamin supplements, and gastric relief medications were recovered from her residence.

Significantly, Shefali was reportedly fasting that day for a religious ceremony. Experts warn that administering such treatments in a fasted or dehydrated state could be hazardous. “Glutathione and Vitamin C, while popular in skin therapy, can stress the cardiovascular system when introduced during dehydration,” said Dr Anesh Jain, Consultant Cardiologist at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune. “There’s a lack of long-term safety data for many of these off-label cosmetic drugs,” he added.

Dr Dhirendra Singhania from Yashoda Super Speciality Hospitals also highlighted the cardiac risks of steroids, hormonal therapies, and erratic sleep patterns, particularly common in celebrity lifestyles. “We often don’t know what regimens celebrities follow to maintain appearances,” he noted. “Even mild imbalances or overuse of certain substances can become deadly under stress or lack of rest.”

Police have so far questioned eight individuals, including family members, household staff, and medical professionals involved in her care. Investigators are probing whether her death was linked to any combination of fasting, cosmetic therapies, or underlying health conditions.

Shefali Jariwala now joins a growing list of seemingly fit Indian celebrities who succumbed to sudden heart conditions. This includes playback singer KK (53), Kannada superstar Puneeth Rajkumar (46), director Raj Kaushal (50), comedian Raju Srivastav (58), and actor Sidharth Shukla (40). In 2023, actress Sushmita Sen (49) suffered a major heart attack and had to undergo angioplasty and stenting.

The rising number of heart-related incidents among middle-aged public figures has triggered a nationwide debate on the hidden risks behind glamorised wellness routines, unregulated medical treatments, and high-pressure lifestyles. In a world obsessed with appearance and productivity, Shefali’s death is a sobering reminder that cardiac health often hinges on more than diet and exercise.

As her fans mourn the loss of an icon of the 2000s, medical experts are urging people — particularly in urban, high-stress environments — to avoid off-label treatments without medical necessity, ensure regular heart screenings, and adopt a truly holistic approach to health.