The late Aparna Vastarey juggled many professional roles – a comedian (she won hearts with her humor, as Varalakshmi in Srujan Lokesh. Maja Talkies)television presenter and actor, radio announcer… As an actor, he made his debut in 1984 with Puttanna Kanagal which Masanada Hoovu, shared the screen with Ambareesh and Jayanthi.
His name is synonymous with anchor and he is known for his oratorical skills, impeccable narration in Kannada. He has hosted hundreds of government functions, Kannada Sahitya Sammelanas and events and has since become one of the most sought after anchors/presenters. He was the face of Karnataka culture, cinema and television to such an extent that there was a time when no event would happen without him being considered as an anchor.
He even lent his voice to the BMRCL (Namma Metro) announcement. His voice is still alive, warning you of gaps in the platform and alerting you to the next station. Aparna died on July 11, 2024 after a long battle with lung cancer and was cremated with State honors. The void that is left, cannot be replaced by something else. His big and expressive eyes, his soft, gentle voice and constant smile, are what many will remember him for in the future.
With actor Sudharani | Photo Credit: Special Arrangements
“I have known Aparna since my school days,” says actor Sudharani. “She lived a few streets away from my aunt who lived in Malleswaram. We would visit each other during pujas and festivals. I remember her as a very quiet girl.
Sudharani, says that she is missing with Aparna. “I next saw him when he debuted with Shivaraj Kumar Anand. When we were shooting at Kanteerava Stadium, he also worked there Masanada Hoovu. We didn’t communicate, but I saw him in a shell, refusing to come out and talk to anyone.
After Aparna became an anchor and host, Sudharani said they met several times. “Even when we met officially, we still got along. A certain relationship cannot be described in words, but we made a connection and Aparna was always warm and loving.
The bond Sudharani said grew stronger when the two met Belli hejje program. “We would work together for long hours. This is when I saw her dedication as a colleague. Aparna, who used to come to work in a sari, walked in one day in a salwar suit. She looked a little distressed.”
The previous evening he had suffered burns to his shoulder and collarbone, Sudharani said. “The burn looks raw and sad, but Aparna goes to work! She never complains about the pain and always shows up if she gives a word. She always means what she says, which is very exciting.
Sudharani, says Aparna is always ready for interviews and will make you feel comfortable. “He’s a good listener and doesn’t interrupt when you talk, and he doesn’t miss a word.”
Both are busy with their lives, Sudharani said. “We met again, when we renovated the house. His wife is an architect. I visited his house and liked the way he did it. During this time we would call each other every day and discuss everything from plants to furniture for what and everything under the sun.
When there is a pandemic, Sudharani and Aparna go missing. “I had many tragedies in my family and there was no renovation. One day, I heard that he was sick. I hesitated to call, worried about how he would feel or that I would not have the courage. I still don’t know why I didn’t try to talk to him they.
Aparna, says Sudharani, is someone who gives a positive influence to every incident in her life. “He tried to be useful. He did everything with his heart, even when he took care of the little plants in his house. He was unique.”
Aparna is often photographed by Ashwath Narayan | Photo Credit: Special Arrangements
The film’s photographer, Ashwath Narayan, has known Aparna since she was eight years old. “It is very sad to lose a child that you saw grow up. Aparna is a very smart girl. His father, a well-known journalist, KS Narayana Swamy is a friend of mine, who also makes films and his mother loves to read.
Aparna’s parents are distant cousins ​​of popular Kannada writer Triveni (Anasuya Shankar), Ashwath says. “That’s how Aparna read and researched. I would take pictures of her as a child because I used to be at her house.
Photographer, says he is always ready for interviews. “He researches his guests very carefully. He is good at managing last-minute changes on stage. He is very good as an actor, but he doesn’t get the kind of roles that match his intelligence or caliber. Maybe if Kanagal was there, he would have pursued a career in cinema.Though he has acted in more than 20 films.I feel cinema failed to recognize him as an actor.
With his parents at Ashwath Narayan’s wedding | Photo Credit: Special Arrangements
On the contrary, Ashwath did not like him Maja Talkies. “I don’t think he’s suited for comedy or I can’t accept him in that genre. Aparna is multi-talented and will work hard in everything she does. I have never seen him frown, no matter what illness or personal problem he was dealing with.
About Aparna being secret about her cancer journey, Ashwath said, “Why should she tell the world? Do we share her personal struggles with everyone? Certain things are meant to be private. Does the same not apply to celebrities? Even though I have known her since childhood , he just told me about his cancer diagnosis six months before he died. I see this as his love for me. He always had the mindset of not disturbing the peace of anyone he knew. It was Aparna Vastarey.
