Remembering Aparna Vastare: Her voice lives on in Namma Metro

The late Aparna Vastare played many professional roles — comedian (she won hearts with her humor, as Varalakshmi in Sreejan Lokesh maja talkies)Television presenter and actor, radio announcer… As an actor, he made his debut in 1984 with Puttana Kanagal. Masanada Huvu, Sharing the screen with Ambarish and Jayanthi.

His name was synonymous with anchoring and he was known for his oratorical skills, impeccable narration in Kannada. He has hosted hundreds of government functions, Kannada literary conferences and events and is one of the most sought after anchors/presenters. He became the face of Karnataka culture, cinema and television at a time when nothing happened except to consider him as an anchor.

He even lent his voice to the announcement of BMRCL (Namma Metro). His voice is still alive, alerting you to gaps in the platform and warning you of the next station. Aparna died on July 11, 2024 after a long battle with lung cancer and was cremated with state honours. The void he left cannot be replaced by another. Her big, expressive eyes, soft, gentle voice and permanent smile, how many of us will remember her for time to come.

With actor Sudharani Photo credit: Special Arrangements

“I know Aparna since my school days,” says actor Sudharani. “He lived a few lanes from where my aunt lived in Malleswaram. We used to meet each other during puja-festivals. I think of her as a very cool girl.”

Sudharani, says she lost contact with Aparna. “I saw him when I made my debut with Shivraj Kumar joy. When we were shooting at Kantirava Stadium, he was also working there Masanada Huvu. We didn’t interact then but, I saw him in a shell, coming out and refusing to talk to anyone.”

Once Aparna became a presenter and host, Sudharani says she met her many times. “Even though we met officially, we bonded well. Some relationships cannot be described in words but we created a connection and Aparna was always warm and loving.”

The bond became stronger when the two met, Sudharani said Belly Hejze program “We worked together for hours. It was when I saw his dedication as a colleague. Aparna, who usually comes to work in a saree, walked in a salwar suit one day. He looked a little upset.”

Her shoulder and collarbone were burnt the previous evening, Sudharani said. “The burn looked so raw and painful and yet Aparna got up to work! He never complained about the pain and would always come back once he had given his word. He always meant what he said, which was very refreshing.

Sudharani says Aparna was always well prepared for interviews and instantly put you at ease. “He was a good listener and didn’t interrupt when you were talking, or misinterpret your words.”

Both get busy with their lives, says Sudharani. “We met again, when we were renovating our house. Her husband is an architect. I visited her home and loved the way she worked. During this time we called each other almost every day and discussed everything under the sun from plants to furniture.

When the epidemic hits, Sudharani and Aparna lose touch. “There were several tragedies in my family and we did not go through reforms. One day I heard he was sick. I was hesitant to call, worried about how she would feel or maybe I just lacked the courage. I still don’t know why I didn’t try to talk to him.”

Aparna, says Sudharani, was a person who gave a positive spin to every incident in her life. “He made it work for his good. He did everything with his heart, even if it was caring for a small tree in his house. He was truly unique.”

Aparna often took pictures of Aswath Narayan Photo credit: Special Arrangements

Aswath Narayan, a film still photographer, has known Aparna since she was eight years old. “Losing a child you watched grow up is heartbreaking. Aparna was a very intelligent girl. His father, a noted journalist, KS Narayan Swamy was a friend of mine who also produced a film and his mother was an avid reader.”

Aparna’s parents were distant relatives of popular Kannada writer Triveni (Ansuya Shankar), says Aswath. “That’s how Aparna took to reading and research. I used to take pictures of her as a child because I was a regular at their house.

The photographer said he was always well prepared for his interviews. “He researched his guests thoroughly. He was adept at handling last-minute changes on stage. He excelled as an actor, but never got roles that matched his intelligence or abilities. If he was strong, he would have made a career in cinema. Although he acted in more than 20 films. I think cinema has failed to recognize him as an actor.”

Aswath Narayan’s wedding with his parents Photo credit: Special Arrangements

Conversely, Aswath did not enjoy her involvement Maja Talkies “I felt that he was not suitable for comedy or that I could not accept him in that genre. Aparna was multi-talented and always worked hard in whatever she did. I never saw him frown, whatever pain or personal problem he was going through.”

On Aparna being secretive about her cancer journey, Aswath says, “Why would she tell the world about it? Do we share our personal struggles with everyone? Some things are meant to be personal. Why does the same apply to a celebrity? Although I have known him since childhood, he told me about his cancer diagnosis six months before he died. I see it as his love for me. He had the mentality of not disturbing the peace of others and not hurting anyone he knew personally. It was Aparna Bhastar.”