A Metro ride in Bengaluru isn’t complete until you hear the announcements of train stations and the travelling etiquettes that are voiced out through a commanding yet soothing tone of Kannada actress Aparna Vastarey, who breathed her last on July 11.
Aparna, 57, died after a prolonged battle with lung cancer, said her husband, Nagaraj Vastarey, on Thursday.
A beloved figure in the Kannada entertainment industry and a household name across the state, Aparna left an indelible mark on television and radio.
Born into a family with a strong cultural background, she began her career as a radio jockey with the All India Radio in 1993. Her unique voice and engaging presentation style quickly made her a favourite among listeners.
She later became the first presenter for AIR FM Rainbow, further cementing her reputation in the industry. Aparna’s television career took off in the 1990s when she began presenting various shows on DD Chandana. Her ability to connect with the audiences and her charming on-screen presence made her a household name.
In a remarkable feat, she set a record by presenting shows for eight hours straight as part of the Deepawali celebrations in 1998. Her versatility as an entertainer extended to acting, with notable performances in television serials like Moodala Mane and Mukta.
Aparna also participated in the first season of the Kannada TV reality show Bigg Boss in 2013, showcasing her dynamic personality to a broader audience.
Aparna was born in Chikamagalur’s Kadur taluk but mostly grew up in Bengaluru. Her father was a film journalist in a Kannada publication. Aparna soon developed an interest in music, literature and culture before foraying into films.
Aparna’s film debut came in 1984 with the legendary director Puttanna Kanagal’s ‘Masanada Hoovu’, where she starred alongside renowned actors Ambareesh and Jayanthi. This role marked the beginning of a diverse acting career that spanned decades.
In 2014, Aparna lent her voice to the Bengaluru Metro, providing recorded announcements for passengers. This contribution further highlighted her significant impact on public life in Karnataka.
Since 2015, she has delighted audiences with her role as Varalakshmi on the sketch comedy show ‘Majaa Talkies’, directed by popular host Srujan Lokesh. Her portrayal of the vain and boastful sister-in-law of Lokesh’s character became immensely popular, adding to her legacy as a versatile performer.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar condoled the death of “actress and famous presenter” Aparna.
“It is sad that a multifaceted talent who was a household name in the country by presenting in Kannada language very elegantly in the programs of major Kannada channels including government functions, has left us very soon. I pray that the departed soul of Aparna rest in peace and her family members find strength to bear their grief,” he posted on X.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said, “The death of the famous presenter and actress Smt. Aparna, who won the hearts of Kannadigas by narrating through clear Kannada, is deeply painful. Her death is an irreparable loss to the art world. I pray for the peace of her soul who has worked as a presenter and actress for decades. My condolences to her family and friends.”
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