In a tragic turn of events, renowned Gujarati filmmaker Mahesh Kalawadia, better known in the industry as Mahesh Jirawala, is believed to be among the victims of the catastrophic Air India plane crash that shook Ahmedabad on June 12. The London-bound flight went down shortly after takeoff, crashing into the densely populated Meghaninagar area and leaving devastation in its wake.
Kalawadia, a respected figure in Gujarat’s creative circles, has been missing since the incident. According to his wife, Hetal Kalawadia, his last known location was traced to a spot just 700 meters from the crash site. Both his mobile phone and scooter have yet to be recovered, leading to fear that he may have been caught in the disaster’s deadly fallout.
Authorities have confirmed the crash has so far claimed 290 lives, 271 of them passengers on board, and 29 local residents who were caught in the path of falling debris and wreckage. Rescue teams are still combing the area, and identification of victims remains ongoing. Mahesh’s family has submitted DNA samples to assist with confirmation.
Who is Mahesh Jirawala?
Kalawadia was a prominent director and producer, well-known for his work in regional advertorials and music videos. As the head of Mahesh Jirawala Productions, he earned a reputation for blending strong local narratives with high production values, bringing Gujarati-language content to a broader audience. His 2019 film Cocktail Premi Pag Of Revenge, starring Asha Panchal and Vruti Thakkar, was particularly well received.
Beyond the screen, Mahesh was a familiar face on social media. He often shared behind-the-scenes footage, creative brainstorming sessions, and previews of upcoming projects. His loss has sent shockwaves through Gujarat’s entertainment industry, with tributes pouring in from colleagues and admirers.
“He was a soft-spoken and deeply committed artist,” said a close associate. “His presence brought warmth to every set he stepped on, and his work spoke volumes about his love for the culture he came from.”
Where is Mahesh Jirawal from?
At home in Naroda, where he lived with Hetal and their two children, Mahesh was a family man first. Hetal spoke to the Press Trust of India (PTI), recalling their final interaction just moments before the crash occurred.
“On June 12, Mahesh had gone to Law Garden to meet someone. He called me at 1:14 pm to say he was on his way back home,” she said. “I called him again at 1:40 pm, but his phone was switched off. That was just a minute after the plane took off from Ahmedabad airport.”
The family’s growing anxiety turned to heartbreak as details of the crash emerged and efforts to locate Mahesh proved unsuccessful.
“His scooter and mobile phone are still missing,” Hetal said. “And the last location we were able to trace was not a route he would ever take to return home. None of it makes sense.”
As emergency crews continue their recovery work, friends, collaborators, and fans have turned to social media to honour his memory, sharing clips from his films and music videos as a testament to the creativity and heart he brought to his craft.
The investigation into the crash remains ongoing. Meanwhile, the Kalawadia family and many others await the news of their loved ones.
