Apara Mehta | Indian Television & Bollywood Actress | Dancer | Singer | Interview With TheTalkStreet

Apara Mehta is a renowned Indian television and Bollywood actress, best known for her role as Savita Mansukh Virani, the formidable mother-in-law of Tulsi in the iconic series Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. She began her television journey at the age of 15, hosting the children's program Santakukdi on Mumbai Doordarshan. Her first major breakthrough came with Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka, where she portrayed the character Paro. However, it was her performance in Ekta Kapoor's blockbuster show Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi that cemented her status in the industry.

Born on August 13, 1960, in Bhavnagar, Gujarat, She has also made her mark in Bollywood with notable roles in films like Devdas (2002), Tees Maar Khan (2010). She has been part of several popular television shows, including Kya Huaa Tera Vaada (2012) and Sajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo (2009). She married to actor Darshan Jariwala in 1980.

  Tell us about how you got started in the television industry? What inspired you to pursue acting?

Coming from a family deeply rooted in Gujarati theatre, acting was always a part of my life. However, television happened unexpectedly. At just 15, after finishing my 10th standard exams, I got an opportunity to anchor a children’s program on Mumbai Doordarshan, which aired every evening. That was my first experience in front of the camera. Soon after, I started working in Gujarati serials for Ahmedabad Doordarshan, though they were shot in Mumbai.

Despite my growing involvement in television, I continued with theatre, which remains an integral part of my life to this day. However, during the early '90s, after having my baby, I consciously stepped back from films and television to focus on raising her. I only took up Gujarati theatre and serials that were shot in Mumbai, allowing me to be present for my child.

Then, in 1997, I did Sapna Navavatar, a bilingual show that was also made in Hindi as Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka. This was my first daily soap, and from that point, there was no looking back. Interestingly, acting was never a planned career for me. I was deeply involved in music, dance, and academics—I trained in singing under Ghulam Mustafa Khan Sahab and learned Kathak from Ashad Zoghlekar. Becoming an actor was never on my agenda, but perhaps it was my destiny.

By 2000, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi came into my life, and it completely changed the landscape of Indian television. Since then, my journey in the industry has been unstoppable. Looking back, I have no regrets about turning down films in the early '90s, as my priority was my daughter. Everything happened at the right time, and acting, though unplanned, became my lifelong journey.

  Having worked across different mediums-television, theatre, and films-how do you adapt your creative process to each one?

If you ask me about the differences between the various acting mediums—be it theater, television, films, or now OTT—I can say from experience that the line between them is very thin. However, it’s a crucial line, and as an actor, one must be mindful of how to navigate it. Looking back, I’ve realized that each medium demands a different approach, and learning to adapt has been an ongoing process for me. Even today, I continue to learn and grow.

Speaking of OTT, my new web series is set to start streaming on February 20th. This marks my third web series. My first was Decoupled on Netflix, alongside Madhavan, which was in English. Then came Staff Room on Amazon Mini, and now my latest project will be streaming on JioHotstar (formerly Hotstar).

My journey in television has been vast, with over 35 Hindi daily soaps to my credit. From the iconic Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi to the current sensation Anupamaa, and many acclaimed shows in between, I have been fortunate to be part of some truly popular and memorable projects. Television has been incredibly kind to me, offering me great opportunities and immense popularity over the years.

As for films, I’ve done only a few, but each one has been a meaningful experience. I was in Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, albeit in just one scene. Then came Devdas, where Sanjay Leela Bhansali himself offered me a small role—yet the experience was unforgettable. I also worked in Just Married, directed by Meghna Gulzar, Bhool Bhulaiyaa with Priyadarshan, and Om Shanti Om with Farah Khan—each time because the directors personally wanted me in their films.

Theater, especially Gujarati theater, has always remained close to my heart. I consider it my training ground, and the skills I’ve honed there have greatly benefited my work in front of the camera. Theater and screen acting have different grammars, but my extensive experience in both has helped me become technically sound. Having done 35 television serials, I’ve gained an in-depth understanding of direction, lighting, framing, and how a director envisions a scene—most of which I’ve absorbed subconsciously through years of practice.

Now, with the rise of OTT platforms, I am embracing yet another form of storytelling. OTT demands a different style of acting, and once again, I find myself learning new nuances of the craft. My journey, spanning from the 80s to the present, has been long, fulfilling, and filled with growth. While I will always continue working in television because of its incredible reach, I am equally excited to explore the OTT space to connect with newer and younger audiences.

Thank you so much for joining me. I look forward to entertaining you across all these platforms!

  Can you tell us about any upcoming shows or projects you're currently working on? What can fans expect from them?

My new web series, Oops! Ab Kya?, is set to start streaming on JioHotstar (formerly Hotstar) from February 20th. It’s a dramedy, and audiences will see me in a completely different avatar. Until now, I’ve mostly played strong, glamorous Indian roles, but this time, I’m stepping into a completely de-glammed character—a typical nani, dadi, ba type. She’s a wise woman who moves with the times, bringing both wisdom and a fun, lively spirit to the story. I had a wonderful time playing this role, and I’m truly looking forward to seeing how audiences connect with it on OTT. Hope you all enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed being a part of it!

  Is there a dream project or role you’ve always wanted to take on but haven’t had the opportunity to yet?

One role I always found challenging but feel I may have outgrown now is that of a call girl or a prostitute. In every character an actor portrays, there is always a part of themselves—personal observations, life experiences, and emotions—that they bring into the performance. However, this is one role that I believe no woman would willingly want to associate with on a personal level.

If I had ever taken on such a role, it would have been entirely shaped by the writer and director’s vision, along with my own understanding of their perspective and how to bring it to life on screen. While I may not get the opportunity to play such a character now, I remain passionate about experimenting with diverse roles. Not every project may be widely popular or groundbreaking, but I am always eager to explore different characters and push my boundaries as an actor.

  How do you build chemistry with your co-stars, especially when playing romantic or family relationships?

As a professional actor, you naturally form friendships with the people you work with. Whether it’s playing a husband and wife or any other relationship on screen, it all becomes normal and effortless over time. There’s always a sense of comfort and friendship, which makes working together enjoyable.

Being a happy-go-lucky person, I’ve never had issues with anyone on set. I get along well with everyone, and when it comes to performing a scene, I always give it my 110%. The same goes for my co-actors—whether they are younger or more senior, I’ve found immense support and learning opportunities in every collaboration. Acting is a constant exchange of energy, and there’s a great sense of give and take while shooting scenes.

For me, working with colleagues has always been a smooth and comfortable experience. I believe in keeping things easygoing—rehearsing, reading lines together, and bringing out the best in every scene. At the end of the day, I’m a thorough professional, and I approach my work with passion, dedication, and a positive mindset.

  How do you approach developing a character, especially when it differs significantly from your own personality?

Not every role an actor plays reflects who they are in real life. Each character is different, and as an actor, I try to think like the character, whether or not I personally relate to it. Once I commit to a role, my job is to bring the writer’s vision to life and fulfill the director’s expectations to the best of my ability. However, if something in the script strongly conflicts with my personal beliefs as a woman or as a person, I do voice my concerns. In such cases, I discuss possible changes or adjustments with the director, and most of the time, my suggestions are taken into account. I put a lot of thought and preparation into my roles, and if I completely disagree with something, I prefer to turn it down from the start rather than struggle with it later.

As for my personality, I’m a fun-loving, happy-go-lucky person, which is why I enjoy doing comedy the most. However, in television, I’ve only had the chance to do one classic comedy—Sajjan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo on SAB TV—which I believe was the closest to my real self. Despite that, my dramatic, serious, and even negative or grey-shaded roles have been incredibly popular.

Now, as I’ve grown into a different phase of my career, I often get roles as a lovable, positive, and cheerful grandmother or as a mother to grown-up children. Audiences now find me “cute,” which has shaped the kind of characters I’m being offered. Regardless of the role, I always approach every character with sincerity, knowing that it doesn’t have to reflect who I am in real life but must be performed with honesty and dedication.

  What keeps you grounded despite being a celebrated figure in the industry?

What keeps me grounded is simply the kind of person I am. I’m a true Mumbaikar and a middle-class Gujarati homemaker who just happens to be an actor. I don’t take the glamour of this profession too seriously. God has blessed me with great work, recognition, and fame, but none of that has changed me as a person. I still go to Vile Parle to buy vegetables like any regular person, run my household as I always have, and live a very normal life.

Gujarati theatre has also played a big role in keeping me grounded. The immense love and appreciation I’ve received from people over the years still amazes me. There have been moments that truly humbled me—like when former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee invited me to his residence for dinner and knew me by my first name and my work. Or when Narendra Modi, during his tenure as Gujarat’s Chief Minister, would come to watch my plays. These experiences make me realize that I must have done something right.

Traveling the world for my Gujarati plays has been another eye-opening experience. It’s heartwarming when not just Indians but also people from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh recognize me, talk to me, and tell me how they’ve watched my shows. It’s incredibly humbling.

Sometimes, I step back and look at my life from a bird’s-eye view, and it amazes me. None of this was ever planned—it all just happened, and perhaps it was my destiny. God has been extremely kind to me, and I am deeply grateful.

At the end of the day, I know the hard work I’ve put in, but I never let fame get to my head. I don’t carry it on my sleeve, nor do I let it change who I am. I am, and always will be, a simple, family-oriented, and down-to-earth person. For that, I thank God every day.

  How did playing Savita in “Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi” impact your career?

Oh my God! This year marks the 25th anniversary of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi! We first went on air in the year 2000, and it’s incredible to think that after all these years, people still remember me for Kyunki and my character, Savita. I can only be grateful—to God, to Balaji Telefilms, and to Ekta and Shobha Kapoor—for giving me this incredible opportunity.

We had no idea back then what a massive impact the show would have. Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi changed the history of Indian television. It premiered on the same day as Kaun Banega Crorepati and went on to create history in its own right. I feel so proud to have been a part of that legacy and to have had the opportunity to build such a long and fulfilling career.

The journey during and after this show has been remarkable. The show itself gave us the chance to explore so many shades and emotions as actors. Looking back, I feel truly blessed to have been a part of something so iconic.

  What was your experience like working in Gujarati cinema with Bachubhai?

So far, I’ve done only one Gujarati film, Bachubhai. Though my screen time in the film wasn’t extensive, my character was crucial to the story—without her, the entire plot wouldn’t have unfolded. I knew it was going to be an important and meaningful role, which is why I took it on.

Siddharth, who played Bachubhai, is a dear friend from theatre and a fantastic actor, so working with him was a great experience. I also had the opportunity to collaborate with young directors, which was refreshing. These days, most directors I work with are much younger than me, and I always respect and listen to their creative vision.

In this particular film, they had a specific idea about how my character should look after her death. However, I suggested something different—I didn’t want the usual white saree. Instead, I wanted the last memory of my character to be vibrant and full of life, as if her husband was remembering her in her happiest form. So, I proposed a red and green saree, a red bindi, a gajra, and a juda (bun). The directors loved my idea, and throughout the film, whenever Bachubhai remembers me, he sees me in that look, motivating him to start studying again.

It was a wonderful experience, and I truly enjoyed being part of it. I’m looking forward to more exciting roles, and if strong, meaningful characters come my way in Gujarati cinema, I would love to do more Gujarati films in the future.

  In 2023, you joined the cast of "Anupamaa" as Gurumaa Malti Devi. How did you approach this character, and what has been the audience's response?

Anupama holds a special place in my heart. My mother, who was also an actress in Gujarati theatre, always used to say, from the very first episode, "Baby, if there’s any show you should do after Kyunki, it’s Anupama."

In 2022, she passed away, and just three months later, I received a call from Rajan Ji’s production house. They wanted to discuss a role with me, and Rajan Ji himself was going to narrate the character. Initially, it was meant to be a two-month cameo, but it ended up lasting eight to nine months! While he was narrating the role, I had to stop him and say, "Rajan Ji, I truly believe this is my mom’s wish coming true—that I should be in Anupama."

I had an absolutely wonderful time working on the show. I already knew almost everyone on set—Bapuji, Alpana (who plays Leela), and many of the younger actors I had worked with before. It felt like stepping into a family. My entry scene was shot so beautifully that it reminded me of Devdas—the way I was introduced as the dancer Guruma was truly grand.

I have previously done a cameo for Rajan Ji’s Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, and just like Balaji, I have immense respect for his production house. Whenever they call me, I will always go back to work with them.

And oh, Rupali! I absolutely adore her as an actor—she’s simply phenomenal. In fact, the entire cast is so talented. It was a heartwarming experience, one that I will always cherish.

  What keeps you passionate about acting after all these years?

What keeps me passionate about acting? Well, I always say this—when I step onto the stage for my first entrance, and 1,200 eyes turn toward me, it still gives me a thrill. There’s this indescribable sensation, a shiver down my spine, that keeps me going.

The same happens with the camera—I can’t stay away from the stage for more than four days, and I can’t stay away from the camera either! The day I stop feeling that excitement, that rush, I’ll know it’s time to retire. But for now, I’m fortunate to be getting great opportunities in television and OTT, and each new platform is a learning experience for me.

I want to continue growing as an actor, to refine my craft, and to be remembered for years and years. This is a new era of storytelling, a different style of acting, and I’m eager to explore it all. As long as that passion remains alive in me, I will keep pushing myself to do better and better.

And, of course, I owe so much to my audience. The love, appreciation, and respect I receive from viewers—whether on stage or on screen—are truly humbling. Their support makes me even more responsible in choosing the right kind of work. So yes, I’m looking forward to more exciting projects, and I only hope that people continue to love me the way they always have.

  What guidance would you offer to aspiring actors who look up to your journey and wish to make a mark in the industry?

For those aspiring to enter the world of television, films, theater, or OTT platforms, I want to offer a word of caution. This industry is highly insecure, and you must always have a Plan B. Give yourself two to three years in this field, and if things don’t work out, be prepared to pivot back to your backup plan. Over my long career, I’ve seen many young talents come and go—some achieve initial success, landing lead roles in TV serials, but once the show ends, they struggle to find work again. It’s a tough reality.

Personally, being from Mumbai, I never had to worry about basic survival. My family was already settled, which gave me a level of stability. But for those coming from other cities with dreams of making it big, the struggle is real and often difficult.

The first and foremost requirement for success in this industry is honesty toward your craft. You must be willing to learn constantly, remain humble, and never let success get to your head. If you start thinking, "I’ve made it, I’m a big star now," that attitude will only hold you back. Growth as an artist comes from being open to feedback—listening to your writers, directors, and makers.

This profession is easier said than done. It demands relentless effort. The ability to express oneself through any form of art is a rare gift from God, given to only a few. And if you’re one of those few, you have a responsibility to nurture your talent, work hard, and give it your 100%.

Never stop learning. No job in this industry is big or small. Keep working, and that’s how you continue to grow as an artist.

For me, a recent learning experience came after the lockdown. In my generation, radio had almost gone extinct with the rise of television. We never truly learned the art of emoting through just our voice. But when I recorded two long audiobooks, I had to embody multiple characters using only voice modulation—changing dialects, tones, and expressions so the audience could distinguish between them without visual cues. It was an incredible learning experience.

The moment you believe you know everything, you stop growing as an artist. Stay humble, listen to those around you, and keep learning from everyone—including younger generations. Today, I’m learning so much from young actors, whether it’s about technology or new techniques in performance.

Evolution is key. As an artist and as a person, you must continue growing. If you do that, success will follow.

**********************

TheTalkStreet  is an innovative online digital magazine that amplifies the voices of Entrepreneurs, Bloggers, Celebrity, Startups, Trend setters, Influencers, Peoples, Social empowerment and more. Through our website and social media platforms, we share compelling stories and conduct insightful interviews to connect with our diverse audience. Additionally, we strategically run advertisements across various platforms to help you generate valuable leads.

Embrace the opportunity to showcase your journey, achievements, and vision, establishing you & your brand as a leader in your industry. Join www.thetalkstreet.com , to inspire, engage, and connect with a global community eager to embrace innovative ideas and transformative experiences.

If you have a compelling story to share with our readers, please reach out to us at hello@thetalkstreet.com We will carefully evaluate your submission and may extend an invitation to feature it if it meets our publishing standards.