Could anti-ageing treatments play a role in Shefali Jariwala’s sudden death at 42?: Reports

As tributes continue to pour in for actress and former Bigg Boss 13 contestant Shefali Jariwala, new speculation is emerging around the possible causes of her sudden death at the age of 42. Among the factors being discussed is her reported use of anti-ageing treatments—a subject now under public and media scrutiny.

Shefali collapsed at her Mumbai home on June 27 after experiencing severe chest pain. She was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital by her husband, actor Parag Tyagi, but was declared dead on arrival. A post-mortem was conducted at Cooper Hospital, and her funeral has since taken place.

Anti-Ageing treatments under spotlight

Reports suggest that Shefali had been undergoing cosmetic and anti-ageing procedures in recent months. A report on NDTV cited sources saying the actress was going through an intense round of anti-ageing treatments.

While there is no official confirmation linking these treatments to her death, the rumours have sparked debate, especially online.

According to medical literature, most aesthetic procedures—such as fillers, skin-tightening treatments, and injectables—are considered safe when conducted by certified professionals. However, in rare cases, serious side effects like allergic reactions, infections, and vascular complications can occur. These risks, although statistically minimal, become focal points during any sudden, unexplained medical event.

Doctors familiar with such procedures caution against drawing premature conclusions. As of now, there is no evidence to suggest that Shefali's aesthetic treatments contributed to her cardiac arrest.

Doctors who attended to Shefali believe that sudden cardiac arrest remains the most likely cause. According to her physician’s statement to police, she had no known heart condition and was not on cardiac medication. In fact, she was considered health-conscious and had shown no signs of illness in her recent public appearances or on social media.

This is what makes her sudden death all the more shocking to fans and peers in the entertainment industry.

The Epilepsy link: A medical possibility

Adding further complexity is Shefali’s history of epilepsy, a condition she reportedly managed since the age of 15. Medical professionals have raised the possibility of SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy), a rare but recognised condition where a seizure may cause fatal heart or respiratory complications.

Shefali had previously spoken publicly about struggling with emotional health and depression—factors that can aggravate epilepsy. Although no seizure was witnessed before her collapse, experts have not ruled out epilepsy-related complications. There are some reports wondering if she had possibly resorted to self-harm.

Final cause still under investigation

Police have confirmed that a forensic post-mortem was performed to determine the exact cause of death. While cardiac arrest remains the primary suspect, the full report is awaited. For now, no official cause has been confirmed.

What remains is a sense of disbelief. Shefali Jariwala, best remembered for her breakout appearance in the Kaanta Laga music video and her mature, composed presence on Bigg Boss 13, was seen by many as a star in control of her narrative. Her passing has left behind unanswered questions—and a wave of grief that continues to grow.