The Indian television fraternity was shaken by the sudden death of Shefali Jariwala, best known as the “Kaanta Laga girl” and a Bigg Boss 13 contestant. Her passing at age 42 from a reported cardiac arrest has once again brought to light the untimely and tragic exits of several Bigg Boss participants. Today, we remember seven former contestants whose early deaths left fans devastated.

1. Shefali Jariwala (Bigg Boss 13)

Shefali rose to fame in the viral music video “Kaanta Laga” (2002) and later appeared in films and web series. She participated in Bigg Boss 13 in 2019. On June 27, 2025, she suffered a fatal cardiac arrest and passed away in Mumbai—an event confirmed by both Mumbai Police and hospital officials .

2. Sidharth Shukla (Bigg Boss 13 Winner)

Bigg Boss 13 winner Sidharth Shukla stunned fans when he died of a heart attack on September 2, 2021, at age 40. His sudden demise prompted widespread grief and tributes from the entertainment industry .

3. Pratyusha Banerjee (Bigg Boss 7)

A talented actress who first became known for the TV serial “Balika Vadhu”, Pratyusha Banerjee participated in Bigg Boss 7 in 2013. In April 2016, at just 24, she tragically died by suicide—sparking national conversations about mental health in the entertainment industry .

4. Swami Om (Bigg Boss 10)

Known for his bold personality in Bigg Boss 10, Swami Om passed away in 2021 after battling severe COVID-19 complications .

5. Sonali Phogat (Bigg Boss 14)

Former contestant from Bigg Boss 14 and BJP politician Sonali Phogat died of a heart attack in 2023 at age 42—a demise that was unexpected and deeply mourned .

6. Somadas Chathannoor (Bigg Boss Malayalam Season 1)

A contestant in the inaugural Bigg Boss Malayalam, Somadas Chathannoor succumbed to COVID-19 complications in 2021, further highlighting the pandemic’s reach into all facets of society .

7. Jayashree Ramaiah (Bigg Boss Kannada Season 3)

Participating in Bigg Boss Kannada Season 3, Jayashree Ramaiah tragically died by suicide in 2020. Her passing reminded viewers of the off-screen struggles that often remain hidden .

8. Z Gudi (Bigg Boss 2)

While less widely reported in the news, Z Gudi, who featured in Bigg Boss 2, died of cancer in 2009. Her death is still remembered among early fans of the show .

 Why These Sudden Deaths Matter

• Cardiac arrests have claimed the lives of Shefali Jariwala, Sidharth Shukla, Sonali Phogat, and Z Gudi—raising concerns about health awareness among celebrities.

• Mental health issues may have played a role in the untimely deaths of Pratyusha Banerjee and Jayashree Ramaiah.

• The pandemic’s impact is marked by the loss of Swami Om and Somadas Chathannoor to COVID-19 complications.

These tragedies often prompt Bigg Boss fans to wonder whether fame, stress, and physical pressures of reality TV takes a toll off-camera.

 What Industry Insiders Say

Commentators say the intense lifestyle and emotional strain of reality TV, combined with media scrutiny and public life, may exacerbate underlying health issues. After Shefali Jariwala’s death, prominent Bigg Boss 13 co-contestant Tehseen Poonawalla expressed that the show’s environment felt “cursed” .

Health, Wellness & Awareness

These unfortunate deaths underscore the need for:

• Regular health check-ups for celebrities, especially cardiac screenings.

• Mental health support, including counseling and stress management for those in the public eye.

• Wellness programs integrated into entertainment platforms.

From Shefali Jariwala’s shocking death to those of Sidharth Shukla, Pratyusha Banerjee, and others, the Bigg Boss franchise has, unfortunately, seen its share of heartbreak. These losses highlight the physical, emotional, and mental challenges faced by reality TV stars, and call for stronger health support systems within the entertainment industry.