Kannada actor Aparna Vastarey passes away at 57 after a two-year battle with lung cancer

Popular Kannada actor, television presenter and former radio jockey Aparna Vastarey passed away on Thursday night, sources close to her said. Vastarey, 57, was battling lung cancer for the last two years, her husband Nagaraj Vastarey said.

Known for her work as a presenter on DD Chandana and anchoring several government programmes and events, she had a strong fan base because of her perfect diction in Kannada.

In 1998, she created a record by presenting shows for eight hours at a stretch as part of Diwali celebrations.

She made her cinematic debut in 1984 with Puttanna Kanagal’s last film, ‘Masanada Hoovu’, and acted in a number of Kannada TV shows. Vastarey was also the voice behind the Bengaluru Metro announcements.

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She appeared in the Kannada reality television show Bigg Boss, and her role as ‘Varalakshmi’ in the popular comedy show ‘Majaa Talkies’ was appreciated by the people. Several film, television, literary, and political personalities, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, condoled Vastarey’s death.

“Saddened to hear the news of the death of actress and famous presenter Aparna. A multifaceted talent who was a household name in the state, by presenting in the Kannada language very elegantly in the programmes of major Kannada channels and government functions, has left us very soon,” Siddaramaiah posted on X.