Shefali Jariwala, best known as the Kaanta Laga girl, unexpectedly passed away at 42 in the late hours of June 27, 2025, from a suspected cardiac arrest. As the industry mourns her unexpected demise, the makers of Kaanta Laga, directors Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, have officially announced that the timeless 2002 remix that catapulted Shefali to overnight fame will never see a sequel. For those unaware, Shefali wanted to be forever remembered as the Kaanta Laga girl, but after her demise, buzz around a potential sequel to the song was making rounds.
Kaanta Laga makers release a statement, retiring the song after Shefali Jariwala’s demise
On July 3, 2025, the makers of Kaanta Laga 2002 remix, Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, shared an emotional statement on Instagram, a day after Shefali Jariwala’s prayer meet. Amid swirling reports of a potential sequel, the director duo shut down all speculation. Sharing a nostalgic photo from their first shoot with Jariwala, the CD inlay card from the original release, the directors recalled her unforgettable presence on set. The statement reads:
“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.”