Aparna Vastarey, the beloved Kannada actress and presenter, passed away on Thursday at the age of 57. Known for her golden voice and cheerful personality, Aparna had an estimated net worth of around $1 million. Her contributions to Kannada cinema, radio, and television have left an indelible mark on the industry and her audience.
Who Was Aparna Vastarey?
Aparna Vastarey was born in Panachanahalli in Chikkamagaluru’s Kadur taluk and later grew up in Bengaluru. Her father was a film journalist for a Kannada publication, which exposed her to the world of cinema and culture from a young age. This early exposure fueled her interests in music, literature, and the arts, leading to her debut in Puttanna Kanagal’s 1985 Kannada film “Masanada Hoovu,” where she starred alongside the legendary ‘Rebel Star’ Ambareesh.
How Did Aparna Vastarey Impact Kannada Cinema and Television?
Aparna’s debut in “Masanada Hoovu” marked the beginning of a distinguished career in the Kannada film industry. She continued to grace the screen with her talent and versatility. In the 1990s, Aparna transitioned to working as a radio jockey with All India Radio and as a presenter on DD Chandana. Her ability to connect with audiences through her voice and charisma quickly made her a beloved figure in the Kannada entertainment world.
Aparna’s contributions extended to television as well, where she starred in hit serials such as “Moodala Mane” and “Preethi Illada Mele.” Her roles in these series showcased her range as an actress and further endeared her to the Kannada-speaking audience.
What Made Aparna Vastarey’s Voice Iconic?
In recent years, Aparna gained fame for her contributions to the Namma Metro in Bengaluru. Her voice became synonymous with the metro’s announcements, with commuters regularly hearing her clear and precise Kannada instructions. The refrain “Dayavittu Gamanisi, Mundina Nildana” became a familiar and comforting sound for many travelers.
Her work on the metro announcements was a testament to her impeccable command over the Kannada language and her ability to communicate effectively with a broad audience. This role added another layer to her already multifaceted career and further cemented her status as a beloved public figure.
How Did Aparna Vastarey Influence the Radio Industry?
Aparna Vastarey’s impact on the radio industry was significant. She started as a radio jockey with All India Radio and later became a prominent voice on Akashvani FM Rainbow. She co-hosted a popular radio show called “Sakhat Sunday” with RJ Prithvi when FM Rainbow was launched in 2001-2002. Her clarity, pronunciation, and engaging personality made her a favorite among listeners.
Vasanthi Hariprakash, a Bengaluru-based radio jockey, journalist, and anchor, reminisced about Aparna’s professionalism and warmth. Vasanthi noted how Aparna’s smile and positive energy were infectious, making her a joy to work with and listen to on the airwaves.
What Do Her Peers Say About Her?
Aparna’s peers and colleagues remember her with great admiration and respect. Padmaja Rao, a Kannada film and theatre actress who worked with Aparna in several serials, expressed her shock and sorrow at Aparna’s passing. Padmaja described Aparna as a “confident and articulate” anchor with an impeccable command of the Kannada language. She also remembered Aparna as a great foodie who enjoyed sharing meals with friends.
Vasanthi Hariprakash also highlighted Aparna’s professionalism and the joy she brought to her work. According to Vasanthi, Aparna was always smiling and had a clarity and pronunciation that was unmatched in the industry.
What Were Her Health Struggles?
Aparna had been battling lung cancer, which was diagnosed at the fourth stage in July two years ago. Despite her illness, she continued to work and bring joy to her audiences. Her husband, Nagaraj Vastarey, spoke to reporters about her health struggles, noting how she had lost weight and looked frail in recent times. Her battle with cancer was a difficult one, but Aparna faced it with the same strength and grace that characterized her career.
How Is She Remembered?
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his condolences, acknowledging Aparna’s multifaceted talent and her status as a household name. Her contributions to Kannada cinema, television, and radio have left a lasting legacy, and she will be remembered for her dedication to her craft and her ability to connect with audiences across different mediums.
Aparna is survived by her husband, Nagaraj Vastarey. The couple lived in Banashankari 2nd Stage. Her passing is a significant loss to the Kannada entertainment industry and her fans, who will remember her for her golden voice, cheerful personality, and immense talent.
