KKN Gurugram Desk | Acclaimed Gujarati filmmaker and music video director Mahesh Jirawala, also known by the name Mahesh Kalawadiya, has been confirmed dead in the tragic Ahmedabad Air India plane crash that occurred on June 12, 2025. The news has sent shockwaves through the Gujarati film and music industry.

Jirawala, the CEO of Mahesh Jirawala Productions, was initially reported missing after the accident. For several days, confusion surrounded his whereabouts, as he was not a passenger on the ill-fated flight. However, it has now been confirmed through DNA testing that he was among the civilians on the ground who lost their lives when the aircraft crash-landed in a crowded neighborhood near Shahibaug, Ahmedabad.

The Tragic Day: What Happened in the Ahmedabad Plane Crash

On the afternoon of June 12, an Air India domestic flight crash-landed shortly after takeoff, veering off course and plummeting into a densely populated residential area near Shahibaug. The plane struck the road at high speed, damaging buildings, vehicles, and causing a devastating fire. While some passengers survived with injuries, several civilians on the ground were killed instantly, including Mahesh Jirawala.

Initial rescue operations faced challenges due to the intensity of the fire and the debris scattered across the street. Among the rubble, officials found a burnt two-wheeler—an Activa scooter—believed to belong to Jirawala.

Missing for Days: Confusion Over His Whereabouts

In the immediate aftermath of the crash, Mahesh’s family reported him missing. According to his wife, Hetal Jirawala, Mahesh had gone out on his scooter and had not returned. Fearing the worst, she expressed concern that he might have been among the victims who were on the road when the aircraft came down.

Search efforts led to a breakthrough when officials recovered a burnt Activa scooter from the crash site, which matched the make and color of Mahesh’s vehicle. Further confirmation came from his mobile phone’s last known location, which placed him at the site during the time of the crash.

Despite these clues, the family initially refused to accept that he had died in the crash, clinging to hope that he might still be alive or wrongly identified.

DNA Testing Confirms Identity

With the body severely burned and unrecognizable, the authorities conducted a DNA analysis to confirm the identity. The report, received earlier this week, matched Mahesh’s DNA with that of his close relatives, confirming that he had indeed perished in the accident.

Initially, the family struggled to accept the findings, hesitant to claim the body. However, after police presented multiple pieces of evidence—including DNA results and the scooter’s chassis number—they accepted the truth and agreed to receive his remains.

Who Was Mahesh Jirawala?

Mahesh Jirawala was a respected name in the Gujarati entertainment industry, known for his creative direction in music videos and independent cinema. He hailed from Naroda, a suburb of Ahmedabad, Gujarat. He led his own media company, Mahesh Jirawala Productions, and had directed several popular Gujarati music videos, with themes ranging from romance to social issues.

In 2019, Mahesh directed the regional film “Cocktail Premi: Pag of Revenge”, which featured actors Asha Panchal and Vriti Thakkar in lead roles. His work was often praised for blending modern visuals with strong storytelling rooted in local culture.

Over the years, he had gained a loyal following within the Gujarati-speaking audience and had begun branching out into short films and digital content.

Industry Shocked by Sudden Loss

News of Jirawala’s death has left many in the regional film industry in mourning. Colleagues, actors, and fellow directors have expressed grief over the tragic loss. Social media platforms have been flooded with condolence messages and tributes to the late filmmaker, highlighting his contribution to Gujarati cinema and music.

“Mahesh bhai was a visionary. He was passionate about storytelling and always encouraged fresh talent,” said one of his close collaborators.

Family Devastated: Leaves Behind Wife and Two Children

Mahesh Jirawala is survived by his wife Hetal and their two young children. The family, now grappling with the sudden and violent nature of his death, has requested privacy as they process the loss. His cremation is expected to take place in Ahmedabad with a limited gathering of friends, family, and colleagues from the industry.

Ahmedabad Plane Crash: Ongoing Investigation

Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has launched a full-scale investigation into the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports suggest technical failure shortly after takeoff, but a detailed probe is still underway.

So far, eight civilian deaths have been confirmed, including Jirawala. Authorities are also working to assess the extent of structural damage in the crash zone and provide compensation to affected families.

Community Calls for Improved Aviation Safety

The crash has sparked renewed calls for stricter aviation protocols, particularly in urban areas. The fact that several people on the ground died—not just passengers—has alarmed many and raised questions about flight path planning and emergency preparedness in densely populated cities.

Activists have demanded that authorities evaluate urban flight routes and introduce better risk assessment models to prevent such civilian casualties in the future.

Key Facts About Mahesh Jirawala and the Crash

The untimely death of Mahesh Jirawala in the Ahmedabad plane crash is a sobering reminder of how fragile life can be, and how even those not directly involved in air travel can become victims of its rare but catastrophic failures. As his family and fans mourn his loss, the Gujarati film industry has lost a talented storyteller who had much more to give.

KKN Live extends heartfelt condolences to the Jirawala family. We will continue to follow updates on the plane crash investigation and provide verified reports as more details emerge.