The Indian entertainment world is once again in mourning following the sudden demise of Shefali Jariwala, a prominent face from Bigg Boss 13 and known widely for her appearance in the early 2000s hit remix Kaanta Laga. Her death at age 42 due to cardiac arrest has reignited conversations around an unsettling pattern linked to the controversial reality show.
Himanshi Khurana, fellow Bigg Boss 13 contestant, took to X (formerly Twitter) to express her grief and share a chilling reflection: “Bigg Boss, that place is cursed I think.” The sentiment echoes a growing concern—over the years, several former contestants have passed away under tragic circumstances, many at a young age.
A Pattern of Premature Tragedies
Here are seven Bigg Boss contestants who met untimely deaths:
- Sidharth Shukla (40): The Bigg Boss 13 winner suffered a sudden cardiac arrest in 2021, leaving fans and the industry in shock. His death was especially heartbreaking given his rising popularity and promising career.
- Pratyusha Banerjee (24): Known for her work in television, Pratyusha participated in Bigg Boss 7. She died by suicide in 2016, reportedly due to personal struggles.
- Swami Om (63): Though older than others on the list, Swami Om’s death in 2021 came after long-term health issues following a COVID-19 infection. His controversial presence in Bigg Boss 10 made headlines throughout his time on the show.
- Sonali Phogat (42): The politician and social media influencer appeared in Bigg Boss 14. She suffered a fatal heart attack in 2023 while on a trip to Goa.
- Somadas Chathannoor: A singer and Bigg Boss Malayalam contestant, Somadas died in 2021 due to COVID-related complications.
- Jayashree Ramaiah (30s): A Kannada actress and participant in Bigg Boss Kannada, Jayashree tragically ended her life in 2020. Her mental health struggles were widely reported.
These cases have led to growing speculation and whispers of a so-called “Bigg Boss curse,” especially as many deaths involve stress-induced conditions or mental health issues. While there’s no scientific basis for the idea of a curse, the emotional and psychological impact of reality TV continues to draw attention from experts and fans alike.
