The tragic death of Gujarati filmmaker Mahesh Kalavadia, popularly known as Mahesh Jirawala, has been officially confirmed following the deadly Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12. Authorities verified his identity after DNA samples matched those submitted by his family, putting an end to the agonizing wait for confirmation.
Phone Location, Scooter Clues Led to DNA Submission
The wife of Mahesh Kalavadia played a critical role in initiating the identification process. She shared that his mobile phone’s last known location was approximately 700 meters from the crash site. “According to the last location of his phone, the filmmaker was present at a distance of 700 meters from the accident site,” she stated.
Fearing the worst, she submitted DNA samples for verification. Authorities recovered a burnt Activa scooter belonging to Jirawala from the scene, which raised concerns that the falling aircraft might have directly impacted him. His phone, found switched off at the crash site, further pointed to the likelihood of his presence during the tragedy.
Family Initially Refused to Accept Death of Mahesh
Initially, Jirawala’s family refused to accept the possibility of his death, holding out hope that he might have survived. However, police presented conclusive evidence—including the chassis number of the burnt scooter and the DNA match—that confirmed the filmmaker’s identity. “They were not ready to believe his death,” sources reported. The evidence eventually convinced the grieving family to accept the heartbreaking truth.
Mahesh Jirawala’s Legacy in the Gujarati Film Industry
Mahesh Jirawala resided in Naroda, Ahmedabad and was well-known in the Gujarati film circuit for directing music videos and awareness projects, including campaigns on AIDS prevention. He served as the CEO of Mahesh Jirawala Productions and directed a Gujarati feature film in 2019. He leaves behind his wife, Hetal, and their two children—a daughter and a son.
Crash Details and Victim Statistics
The Air India flight, en route from Ahmedabad to London, crashed into the B J Medical Hostel in Shahibaug on June 12. The incident killed over 279 people, making it one of the deadliest air disasters in Indian aviation history.
Authorities have completed 231 DNA identifications and have handed over 210 bodies to families, according to the latest data. The deceased include 155 Indians, 36 British nationals, seven Portuguese, one Canadian, and nine residents.