After Shefali Jariwala’s death, Kaanta Laga makers say sequel is off the table

The sudden passing of Shefali Jariwala has left both fans and the entertainment industry in shock. The beloved actor and dancer, best known for her iconic appearance in the early 2000s music video Kaanta Laga, died of cardiac arrest on June 27 at the age of 42. Days after her tragic demise, directors Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, the creative duo behind Kaanta Laga shared a deeply emotional tribute in her memory.

Kaanta Laga squeal: Is it happening?

Taking to Instagram, the filmmakers posted a heartfelt note along with a nostalgic throwback from their first photoshoot together. “Yesterday was the prayer meeting. Saying the final goodbyes... With our first photo session together... Kaanta Laga – CD Inlay Card,” they wrote, remembering the early days of their collaboration with Shefali.

In a powerful gesture, Radhika and Vinay announced that they would never revisit or remake the iconic song. “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,” the note read.

The duo also opened up about how they first discovered Shefali. In an earlier interview, they recalled the serendipitous moment that led to her stardom. While driving along Linking Road in Bandra, they spotted a young woman hugging her mother on a scooter. “There was something special about her,” Vinay shared. “Radhika told me to stop the car, and we asked if she would visit our office. That moment began our journey together.”

Shefali’s breakout performance in Kaanta Laga turned her into a pop culture sensation almost overnight, and her sudden death has deeply affected those who worked with her. Last Friday night, she was rushed to Bellevue Multispecialty Hospital by her husband, Parag Tyagi, after reportedly suffering a cardiac arrest. Sadly, she was declared dead upon arrival.