Latest news with #IndianFilmandTelevisionDirectors'Association
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Ashoke Pandit expresses grief over Shefali Jariwala's sudden demise
Filmmaker and president of the Indian Film and Television Directors' Association Ashoke Pandit has expressed his deep sorrow over the sudden demise of actress Shefali Jariwala, who passed away at the age of 42. Filmmaker and president of the Indian Film and Television Directors' Association Ashoke Pandit has expressed his deep sorrow over the sudden demise of actress Shefali Jariwala, who passed away at the age of 42. Known for her role in the iconic music video 'Kaanta Laga' and for her television appearances, Jariwala's death has left the entertainment industry in shock. Speaking to ANI, Pandit shared his grief, saying, "I'm shocked to hear the tragic demise of one of the finest actresses, Shefali Jariwala, due to cardiac arrest. She was just 42 years old. There's no age to go. A very good human being, a brilliant actress, and a great loss to the industry. I, on behalf of the Director's Association, IMPA, and Federation of Western India SNA employees, pay my respects and tributes, my condolences to the family of Shefali, her husband, and to all the near ones. It's really a great loss to the industry, an actress who rose to the stage of success, a person who worked very hard and really became a star in the industry, made her own mark in the industry, and her presence in the industry was brilliant." Pandit continued, "It's really a very tragic loss. You wake up early in the morning and get to listen to this tragedy. It's really sad. We are all with the family. We are all there with the family to face this tragedy, whatever has occurred in the family." Shefali Jariwala, who gained fame in the early 2000s with her hit appearance in the 'Kaanta Laga' music video, was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital in Mumbai on June 27, 2025, where she was declared dead upon arrival. Initial reports suggest that she may have suffered a cardiac arrest, although the exact cause of death is still under investigation. Mumbai Police confirmed the news of her passing, stating that her body was found at her residence in Andheri, Mumbai, around 1 am. Her body was subsequently transferred to Cooper Hospital for a post-mortem examination, but authorities have yet to determine the cause of death. Jariwala's death was also confirmed by the All Indian Cine Workers Association, which expressed its sorrow on the social media platform X. The association wrote, "Shefali Jariwala is no longer with us. Gone too soon at just 42 due to a sudden heart attack. It's hard to believe she's gone. May her soul rest in peace, and may God give strength to her family during this heartbreaking time." Jariwala also made her mark in Bollywood with roles in films like 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi' (2004), starring alongside Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar . She also gained significant television recognition, participating in shows such as Bigg Boss 13 in 2019 and Nach Baliye seasons 5 and 7, where she participated alongside her husband, actor Parag Tyagi. Beyond her entertainment career, Jariwala was a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and women's empowerment. She openly discussed her struggles with epilepsy and used her platform to inspire others facing similar challenges.
India Gazette
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
Ashoke Pandit expresses grief over Shefali Jariwala's sudden demise
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 28 (ANI): Filmmaker and president of the Indian Film and Television Directors' Association Ashoke Pandit has expressed his deep sorrow over the sudden demise of actress Shefali Jariwala, who passed away at the age of 42. Known for her role in the iconic music video 'Kaanta Laga' and for her television appearances, Jariwala's death has left the entertainment industry in shock. Speaking to ANI, Pandit shared his grief, saying, 'I'm shocked to hear the tragic demise of one of the finest actresses, Shefali Jariwala, due to cardiac arrest. She was just 42 years old. There's no age to go. A very good human being, a brilliant actress, and a great loss to the industry. I, on behalf of the Director's Association, IMPA, and Federation of Western India SNA employees, pay my respects and tributes, my condolences to the family of Shefali, her husband, and to all the near ones. It's really a great loss to the industry, an actress who rose to the stage of success, a person who worked very hard and really became a star in the industry, made her own mark in the industry, and her presence in the industry was brilliant.' Pandit continued, 'It's really a very tragic loss. You wake up early in the morning and get to listen to this tragedy. It's really sad. We are all with the family. We are all there with the family to face this tragedy, whatever has occurred in the family.' Shefali Jariwala, who gained fame in the early 2000s with her hit appearance in the 'Kaanta Laga' music video, was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital in Mumbai on June 27, 2025, where she was declared dead upon arrival. Initial reports suggest that she may have suffered a cardiac arrest, although the exact cause of death is still under investigation. Mumbai Police confirmed the news of her passing, stating that her body was found at her residence in Andheri, Mumbai, around 1 am. Her body was subsequently transferred to Cooper Hospital for a post-mortem examination, but authorities have yet to determine the cause of death. Jariwala's death was also confirmed by the All Indian Cine Workers Association, which expressed its sorrow on the social media platform X. The association wrote, 'Shefali Jariwala is no longer with us. Gone too soon at just 42 due to a sudden heart attack. It's hard to believe she's gone. May her soul rest in peace, and may God give strength to her family during this heartbreaking time.' Jariwala also made her mark in Bollywood with roles in films like 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi' (2004), starring alongside Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar. She also gained significant television recognition, participating in shows such as Bigg Boss 13 in 2019 and Nach Baliye seasons 5 and 7, where she participated alongside her husband, actor Parag Tyagi. Beyond her entertainment career, Jariwala was a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and women's empowerment. She openly discussed her struggles with epilepsy and used her platform to inspire others facing similar challenges. (ANI)
Mint
28-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Ashoke Pandit expresses grief over Shefali Jariwalas sudden demise
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 28 (ANI): Filmmaker and president of the Indian Film and Television Directors' Association Ashoke Pandit has expressed his deep sorrow over the sudden demise of actress Shefali Jariwala, who passed away at the age of 42. Known for her role in the iconic music video 'Kaanta Laga' and for her television appearances, Jariwala's death has left the entertainment industry in shock. Speaking to ANI, Pandit shared his grief, saying, "I'm shocked to hear the tragic demise of one of the finest actresses, Shefali Jariwala, due to cardiac arrest. She was just 42 years old. There's no age to go. A very good human being, a brilliant actress, and a great loss to the industry. I, on behalf of the Director's Association, IMPA, and Federation of Western India SNA employees, pay my respects and tributes, my condolences to the family of Shefali, her husband, and to all the near ones. It's really a great loss to the industry, an actress who rose to the stage of success, a person who worked very hard and really became a star in the industry, made her own mark in the industry, and her presence in the industry was brilliant." Pandit continued, "It's really a very tragic loss. You wake up early in the morning and get to listen to this tragedy. It's really sad. We are all with the family. We are all there with the family to face this tragedy, whatever has occurred in the family." Shefali Jariwala, who gained fame in the early 2000s with her hit appearance in the 'Kaanta Laga' music video, was rushed to Bellevue Multispeciality Hospital in Mumbai on June 27, 2025, where she was declared dead upon arrival. Initial reports suggest that she may have suffered a cardiac arrest, although the exact cause of death is still under investigation. Mumbai Police confirmed the news of her passing, stating that her body was found at her residence in Andheri, Mumbai, around 1 am. Her body was subsequently transferred to Cooper Hospital for a post-mortem examination, but authorities have yet to determine the cause of death. Jariwala's death was also confirmed by the All Indian Cine Workers Association, which expressed its sorrow on the social media platform X. The association wrote, "Shefali Jariwala is no longer with us. Gone too soon at just 42 due to a sudden heart attack. It's hard to believe she's gone. May her soul rest in peace, and may God give strength to her family during this heartbreaking time." Jariwala also made her mark in Bollywood with roles in films like 'Mujhse Shaadi Karogi' (2004), starring alongside Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar. She also gained significant television recognition, participating in shows such as Bigg Boss 13 in 2019 and Nach Baliye seasons 5 and 7, where she participated alongside her husband, actor Parag Tyagi. Beyond her entertainment career, Jariwala was a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and women's empowerment. She openly discussed her struggles with epilepsy and used her platform to inspire others facing similar challenges. (ANI)
Hindustan Times
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Sardaarji 3 controversy: 'Will ban Diljit Dosanjh,' say film bodies over Pakistani actor Hania Aamir's casting in film
After much speculation about whether Diljit Dosanjh's upcoming Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3 features Pakistani actor Hania Aamir, it has now been revealed that the latter has a prominent role in the film. On Monday, Diljit dropped the trailer on social media, confirming Hania remains a part of the star cast. The timing of this move has drawn attention, with netizens slamming Diljit for working with the the Pakistani actor. This comes amid tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terrorist attack and India's subsequent response through Operation Sindoor. Diljit Dosanjh in a still from Sardaarji 3 with Hania Aamir. While the trailer of Sardaar Ji 3 is currently unavailable for viewing in India and the film won't release in the country, the move to cast Hania is being seen by many as "anti-national". Speaking about Hania's casting in the film, Ashoke Pandit, President of the Indian Film and Television Directors' Association, tells us, "We had written a letter to the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) earlier, and they refused to give it a certificate. I had seen Hania's tweets as well during the time of Operation Sindoor. We are going to take action and tell the producers to not work with him (Diljit). He should be fully boycotted in the country by music labels and Punjabi film industry. Diljit is a compulsive Pakistani lover." BN Tiwari, President of the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), adds, "Diljit se lekar film ke producers ko - sab ko ban kar denge India mein, dobaara film nahi bana paayenge. Federation ne soch liya hai 100 per cent. Jo nation ke saath nahi, woh hamare saath nahin. Hum deshdrohiyon ke saath kaam nahi kar sakte. It doesn't matter if the film is not releasing in India - they shouldn't come to India only. Songs and everything will be boycotted." Following the Pahalgam terror attack, several film federations called for a complete ban on Pakistani artistes working in India — a move similar to the one enforced after the 2016 Uri attack. Additionally, Instagram accounts of Pakistani celebrities such as Hania Aamir, Ali Zafar, and Mahira Khan were restricted in India. Their images were also removed from digital music album covers on streaming platforms - for instance, actor Mawra Hocane's picture was digitally erased from the poster of Sanam Teri Kasam.
Gulf News
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf News
How #MeToo accused Sajid Khan's rehabilitation exposes Bollywood's deep rot with sexual misconduct cases
Dubai: What shocks me today is not that Bollywood filmmaker Sajid Khan has once again been accused of inappropriate sexual conduct — it's how effortlessly this alleged serial offender, like many others before him, has been rehabilitated without accountability. Earlier this week, Indian television actress Navina Bole, known for Ishqbaaaz and Miley Jab Hum Tum, came forward with fresh allegations against Sajid. She recounted a deeply uncomfortable encounter from the mid-2000s, where Khan allegedly asked her to "take off her clothes and sit in lingerie" during a professional meeting at his home. Bole said she managed to leave but was subjected to persistent calls afterward. These allegations add to the already grim record Khan carries. Back in 2018, when India's #MeToo movement was peaking, no fewer than eight women — aspiring actresses, assistants, and a journalist — accused him of sexual harassment, ranging from inappropriate comments to graphic misconduct. Although Khan denied the allegations, he was suspended for a year by the Indian Film and Television Directors' Association and stepped down from directing Housefull 4. Yet by October 1, 2022, Khan had made a full-fledged comeback. He entered the Bigg Boss 16 house — India's most popular reality show — during its season premiere, hosted by Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. He stayed on air for more than 100 days, voluntarily exiting in January 2023, citing "professional commitments." The outrage here isn't just about the fresh allegations against Sajid. It's about how a serial offender like him is being seemingly systematically rehabilitated without any accountability in Bollywood — and how that is somehow considered "normal." Why is this okay? Where is the outrage from industry insiders who claim to champion change? Why are women who risked their careers and reputations to speak out treated as collateral damage? And it's not just Sajid Khan. National Award-winning director of Queen fame Vikas Bahl, accused of serious misconduct during the #MeToo wave, has returned to directing major films like Goodbye and Ganapath, barely missing a step. Others too, quietly slip back into projects, as if the allegations never existed. Bollywood, it seems, has decided that the passage of time is sufficient penance — no apology, no public reckoning needed. Meanwhile, survivors continue to struggle. One of Sajid Khan's accusers had even posted a gut-wrenching Instagram story after his Bigg Boss appearance in Salman Khan-hosted show "If you really give a [expletive], ask yourself why you're watching." She added that if the industry truly cared, they would hire the survivors, not the men they exposed. Contrast this with what is happening in Malayalam cinema. In my interview with acclaimed actress and activist Parvathy Thiruvothu, co-founder of the Women In Cinema Collective (WCC), she pointed out that at least some sense of fear and reflection has entered the Kerala film industry. "There's a realisation that people can no longer brush things under the carpet, and that realisation has created an environment of caution," while also acknowledging that a lot of work still needs to be done. Following the release of the explosive Hema Committee findings earlier this year — which exposed rampant sexual harassment and misconduct in Kerala's film industry — survivors began publicly naming their alleged abusers. The aftermath included the dissolution of film body AMMA's leadership, including superstar Mohanlal's resignation, and the Kerala government's growing intent to tackle these issues legally. Parvathy did not mince words when addressing the superficial gestures made by some in power. "Resigning at such an incredibly revelatory stage and behaving as if it's a noble move fell really short," she said. She emphasised that the solution lies not in performative actions, but in true structural reform and tangible support for survivors. Meanwhile, Bollywood seems determined to pretend that nothing happened. The industry appears more invested in rehabilitating accused men than in offering justice to the women who risked everything to speak up. When someone like Sajid Khan, Farah Khan's brother, is handed a national platform without having to address credible allegations, it sends a devastating message to every woman in the industry — and beyond. Silence is complicity. Viewership is complicity. The Malayalam film industry, though imperfect, is at least attempting to reckon with its issues. Bollywood, on the other hand, seems to believe that the status quo is just fine.
