- By Ridhi Suri
- Fri, 12 Jul 2024 07:47 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Veteran Kannada actress, former radio jockey and television presenter Aparna Vastarey passed away on Thursday night. The 57-year-old had been battling lung cancer for the past two years, her husband Nagaraj Vastarey confirmed. She took her last breath at her Banashankari residence in Bengaluru. Aparna's career began with her role in the 1984 film 'Masanada Hoovu,' directed by Puttanna Kanagal.
Aparna was well-known for her work as a presenter on DD Chandana and for anchoring numerous government programs and events. She had a strong fan base due to her impeccable Kannada diction. Informing about the demise, Nagaraj shared a video on social media, revealing that Aparna was in the fourth stage of cancer.
Aparna's career
In 1998, Aparna set a record by presenting shows for eight hours straight as part of Diwali celebrations. She made her cinematic debut in 1984 with Puttanna Kanagal's last film, 'Masanada Hoovu', and acted in numerous Kannada TV shows. The late actress quickly established herself as a talented actress, appearing in numerous films including the popular 'Inspector Vikram' alongside Shiva Rajkumar. Her transition from acting to anchoring in the 1990s marked a new chapter in her professional life.
As a beloved anchor, Aparna worked on several television programs, particularly with Chandana TV, and gained a strong following. Her versatility extended to roles as a radio jockey and comedian, making her a well-known figure on the small screen. She also starred in popular television serials like 'Moodala Mane' and 'Mukta.' She was also the voice behind the Bengaluru Metro announcements. She appeared in the Kannada reality television show Bigg Boss, and her portrayal of ‘Varalakshmi’ in the popular comedy show ‘Majaa Talkies’ was widely appreciated.
Aparna's passing is a significant loss to the Kannada entertainment industry, and her fans and colleagues are deeply mourning her departure. She leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and a profound impact on the industry. Several film, television, literary, and political personalities, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, have expressed their condolences over Aparna's passing.