Aparna Vastarey’s death, who was a popular television presenter, actress and also known as the Kannada voice for Namma Metro in Bengaluru has been followed by an unceasing stream of tributes and condolences. The TV anchor passed away at the age of 57 on July 11th after her two year fight with fourth stage lung cancer.
Various top leaders in Karnataka mourned one of its dearest TV anchors on X (Formerly Twitter) while many colleagues from the industry expressed their grief and memories about Aparna on social media.
On Twitter, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah tweeted his sadness over her untimely death. “It is sad that such a versatile talent who was a household name in Karnataka because of her graceful presentation skills in most major Kannada channels as well as government functions and programmes has left us too soon,” he said.
Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar eulogized her as “an irreeparable loss to the world of art.” He posted: “The death of the famous presenter and actress Smt. Aparna, who won the hearts of Kannadigas with her impeccable Kannada, is deeply painful… I pray for the peace of her soul… My condolences to her family and friends. Om Shanti.”
For those using Namma Metro to commute in Bengaluru, Aparna was always there for them during their journey. She worked closely with Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) when she was voicing out announcements made in Kannada at Bengaluru metro rail. The BMRCL also posted on X to acknowledge their partnership.
Anushree, now one of most sort-after female anchors on Kannada television today chose Instagram to recall how she spent time with Aparna inside Bigg Boss house through posting such images whose faces sometimes we don’t even see clearly – or can be seen clearly but are far away and blurred. They were contestants in the first season of Bigg Boss Kannada. Describing Aparna as “the one and only maha presenter – then, now and forever”, Anushree paid tribute to the elegance and brillance that she brought into anchoring.
Swetha Changappa, another popular Kannada actress cum TV hostess who shared Maja Talkies stage with Aparna wrote a heart touching note emphasizing on their sisterhood bond before giving an emotional farewell to Karnataka’s “beloved Kannadathi.”
