Veteran television actor Apara Mehta, best known for playing Savita Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, has recently opened up about one of the most difficult phases of her personal life. During a candid chat with media portal, she shared how her marriage with actor Darshan Jariwala changed after he told her he no longer wanted to continue their relationship. During the same conversation, Apara also looked back at her career, from earning her first paycheck of Rs 125 as a teenager to becoming Gujarat's highest-paid theatre artist.

Darshan Jariwala told Apara Mehta he had fallen out of love

Apara revealed that the turning point in her marriage came after she returned to India from a theatre tour in the United States. She recalled that on their wedding anniversary, Darshan called her and said they needed to have an important conversation once she was back.


When she finally met him after landing in Mumbai, the discussion took an unexpected turn. Apara told Hautterfly, "So I came back from the USA after doing my shows. I landed at 3 o'clock, reached home by 5, and I had a 7 o'clock shift in the morning. And he just said, 'You know, Apara, we need to separate because I've fallen out of love with you. I do not like you anymore, and you are the ugliest woman I've come across in my life.'"

The actor admitted that the words left her shocked, but there was little time to react. She had returned home early in the morning after her international trip and had to report for a television shoot just a couple of hours later.

Looking back, Apara said she carried on with work as usual, filming several important scenes despite being exhausted. It was only later in the day, after getting some rest between takes, that she fully realised what had happened and began processing the conversation.

Living separately but never choosing divorce

Apara said that sometime after the conversation, Darshan moved out of their home. However, despite living separately for more than two decades, the two have never legally divorced.

Looking back at their relationship today, she said there is no bitterness between them. According to Apara, the house they once shared is still open to him if he ever wishes to return. At the same time, she acknowledged that he may never come back.

The veteran actor also spoke about the unique bond they continue to share. She said they remain comfortable with each other and still understand one another so well that they can often complete each other's sentences. While their marriage changed, she believes their mutual respect has remained intact.

For the unversed, Apara and Darshan married in 1982 when she was just 18 years old. They have a daughter, Khushali. The couple has been living separately since 2003, but neither has chosen to formally end the marriage.

From Rs 125 at 15 to Gujarat's highest-paid theatre artist

Apart from speaking about her personal life, Apara also talked about her early struggles and financial journey.

She revealed that she earned her first paycheck of Rs 125 when she was only 15 years old. Instead of spending the money, her parents carefully saved all of her earnings and later handed the amount back to her. She credited them for helping her understand the value of financial independence from a young age.

After entering Gujarati theatre, Apara said she initially earned just Rs 40 for every performance. Over the years, however, she built a successful career on stage through hard work and consistency. Today, she proudly says she is Gujarat's highest-paid theatre artist.

The actor also shared that she became financially responsible early in life. While she was still in her late teens, she earned enough to pay not only for her own college education but also to support Darshan Jariwala's studies. She said he later completed his chartered accountancy qualification to fulfil his family's expectations.

Apara Mehta remains one of Indian television's most recognisable faces, with Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi continuing to be remembered as one of the country's most iconic daily soaps.