Gujarati filmmaker Mahesh Kalawadia, adored in the industry as Mahesh Jirawala, has been confirmed dead in the tragic plane crash in Ahmedabad.
According to reports, DNA test results have matched with his mortal remains, bringing a sad end to the uncertainty surrounding his fate.
Jirawala had been missing since the day of the disaster. His last known mobile location was traced to an area 700 meters from the crash site.
Despite a charred Activa scooter—later confirmed to be registered in his name—being found at the Shahibaug site, his family held on to hope. Reports added that he had left home to meet someone in Ahmedabad’s Law Garden area but never returned. When his phone became unreachable, his family filed a missing persons report.
Authorities reviewed over 100 CCTV clips before determining that Jirawala had been near the Ahmedabad Civil Hospital just moments before the crash. His presence in the area, while going about routine work, made the possibility of his death even harder for the family to accept. However, with conclusive DNA identification and verification of the scooter’s engine and chassis number, the family finally accepted the reality and claimed his body.
Jirawala was one of 29 people killed on the ground when Flight AI171 crashed into the BJ Medical College mess shortly after taking off from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. The crash killed 241 of the 242 people on board, with only one British passenger surviving. Gujarat’s former Chief Minister, Vijay Rupani, was also among the victims aboard the flight.
So far, 231 crash victims have been identified through DNA testing, and 210 bodies have been handed over to families. The identification and handover process is still underway.
A respected name in the Gujarati entertainment industry, he served as CEO of Mahesh Jirawala Productions and directed numerous music videos and advertisements.
His untimely death has sent shockwaves through the Gujarati film fraternity. Jirawala is survived by his wife, Hetal, and their two young children—a daughter and a son.
Also Read: Telegram Founder To Split $17B Fortune Among 100+ Children https://www.vibesofindia.com/telegram-founder-to-split-17b-fortune-among-100-children/
