After the passing of Rashtrakavi Kuvempu and Dr. Rajakumar, the torchbearers of the Kannada language, Karnataka has suffered a great loss, which continues to be felt even today.
Today, we have lost another true champion of the Kannada language, Aparna Vastarey – a 58-year-old actress, exceptional anchor, and stalwart with a pure Kannada heart.
Though Aparna Vastarey is no longer with us, her voice will continue to resonate at Namma Metro, Bengaluru International Airport, and other places for as long as authorities keep her sweet and smooth recordings.
As a young girl, Aparna, daughter of veteran journalist and magazine editor Narayanaswamy, often visited the Kannada Prabha office, where her love for Kannada was evident. She resided in Malleswaram during those days.
After graduating from MES College, Aparna was drawn into cinema by the legendary SR Puttanna Kanagal, starting with the film ‘Masanada Hoovu,’ where she played the daughter of a prostitute, portrayed by Abhinaya Sharade Jayanthi. The powerful novel by Ta Ra Su depicted the chilling reality of a mother bringing her daughter into her flesh trade. Aparna’s first marriage to a man from New Jersey did not work out, but she returned to her profession with resilience.
Following the huge response to her debut film, Aparna took up anchoring. She found her footing at Bengaluru Dooradarshana Chandana channel, and over the last 40 years, her voice remained as smooth as butter, fluent and convincing in Kannada. After scaling heights as an anchor, she returned to acting, becoming a part of TV serials by TN Seetharam and Vaishali Kasaravalli. Aparna Vastarey anchored numerous programs, with one notable eight-hour show being particularly impeccable.
Aparna’s sense of humor shone in ‘Maja Talkies’ as Varamahalakshmi. She performed various skits in Srujan Lokesh’s ‘Maja Talkies,’ and the applause she received made her extremely happy.
Aparna Vastarey and Bhanuprakash were the go-to pair for all top government programs in Karnataka. Dr. Rajakumar appreciated her knowledge, choice of words, and her ability to perfectly embody ‘Kannada Kasthuri.’
Aparna’s professional career was flourishing, but destiny had other plans. She discovered her ‘Shwasakosha’ cancer ailment rather late and knew her days were numbered. Aparna, along with her husband Nagaraj Vastarey, fought the cancer battle for two years before passing away on the night of July 11, 2024.
Leaving this earth is inevitable, but for Aparna, 58 years (her birthday was in October) was a short span. She was an ambassador of the Kannada language and literature through her anchoring career.
How can we forget this impeccable voice of Kannada Nadu!
