Aparna Vastarey (1966 or 1967 – 11 July 2024), known mononymously as Aparna, was a beloved Indian actress, television presenter, and radio jockey.
She gained fame in Kannada television during the 1990s, especially for her work on DD Chandana. Aparna made her film debut in 1984 with Masanada Hoovu and later became known for her role as Varalakshmi on the sketch comedy show Majaa Talkies. Her career spanned several decades, during which she captivated audiences with her talent and charisma.
Aparna passed away at the age of 57 due to complications from lung cancer, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
Aparna Vastarey Biography
| Full Name | Aparna Vastarey |
| Date of Birth | 1966 or 1967 |
| Date of Death | 11 July 2024 |
| Age | 57 |
| Birthplace | – |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Actress, Television Presenter, Radio Jockey |
| Years Active | 1984 – 2024 |
| Significant Other | – |
| Children | – |
| Education | – |
| University | – |
| Awards | – |
| Net Worth | – |
| Charities | – |
Early Life and Education
Aparna Vastarey, known mononymously as Aparna, was born in 1966 or 1967. She showed an early interest in media and communication, which later defined her career path.
Career
Aparna made her cinematic debut in 1984 with Puttanna Kanagal’s last film, Masanada Hoovu, starring alongside stalwarts Ambareesh and Jayanthi. Her career in Kannada television began in 1990 with DD Chandana, where she became a popular presenter, working on numerous shows until 2000. In 1993, she began working as a radio jockey with All India Radio and later with AIR FM Rainbow as its first presenter.
Aparna was also known for her roles in television shows such as Moodala Mane and Mukta. She gained further popularity from 2015 to 2021 for her role as Varalakshmi on the sketch comedy show Majaa Talkies. In 2013, she appeared as a contestant in the first season of the Kannada reality television show Bigg Boss.
In 2024, Aparna made a comeback to acting with Gangadhar Salimath’s cybercrime film Grey Games, playing the mother of a boy addicted to online gaming. Her performance was highly praised, with reviews noting her powerful and convincing portrayal.
Personal Life
Aparna was known for her dedication to her profession and her ability to connect with her audience. Despite her busy career, she prioritized the significance of her roles over their duration, which often led to selective appearances in films and television.
Death
On 11 July 2024, Aparna died at the age of 57 due to complications from lung cancer.
Partial Filmography
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003-2004 | Moodala Mane | Sukanya | [3] |
| 2005 | Ee Family | Host | [10] |
| 2008-2010 | Mukta | [3] | |
| 2013 | Bigg Boss Kannada 1 | Herself | [5] |
| 2015-2017 | Majaa Talkies | Varalakshmi | [11] |
| 2018-2021 | Majaa Talkies Super Season | [12] | |
| 2019-2020 | Ivalu Sujatha | Durga | [13] |
| 2021 | Nannarasi Radhe | Janaki (Cameo) | [14] |
| 2021-2024 | Yediyuru Shree Siddhalingeshwara | Parvathi | [citation needed] |
Films
- Masanada Hoovu (1985)
- Sangrama (1987)
- Nammoora Raja (1988)
- Sahasa Veera (1988)
- Mathru Vathsalya (1988) as Rohini
- Olavina Asare (1989)
- Inspector Vikram (1989)
- Ondaagi Balu (1989)
- Doctor Krishna (1989)
- Onti Salaga (1989)
- Chakravarthy (1990)
- Grey Games (2024) [15]
