Apara Mehta has spoken candidly about one of the most difficult chapters of her personal life, revealing the emotional conversation that changed her marriage to actor Darshan Jariwala forever. Best known for portraying Savita Mansukh Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, the veteran actress reflected on how their relationship took an unexpected turn more than two decades ago. Despite living separately since 2003, she says the respect and comfort they share with each other have never completely disappeared. Her honest recollection offers a rare glimpse into a deeply personal journey that has remained largely private over the years.
Apara Mehta Opens Up About The Moment Everything Changed
During a conversation with Hauterrfly, Apara Mehta recalled that the turning point came while she was returning from the United States after completing a show. It happened around their wedding anniversary when she called Darshan Jariwala, and he told her they needed to have an important conversation once she returned home. After landing in India in the early hours of the morning and reaching home around 5 am, she was met with words that completely changed the course of their relationship. Recalling the moment, she shared that Darshan told her, “I’ve fallen out of love with you, do not like you anymore, and you are the ugliest woman I’ve come across in my life.”
Even after hearing those painful words, Apara had little time to process what had happened because she had to report for work just a couple of hours later. She revealed that she had a 7 am shoot scheduled with three major scenes and went straight to the set despite the emotional shock and exhaustion from her long journey. The actress admitted she kept drifting in and out of sleep throughout the day because of fatigue. It was only later, once she became fully aware of everything that had happened, that the weight of the conversation truly began to sink in, although she initially believed he might not have meant what he had said.
Living Apart But Still Sharing A Deep Connection
As time passed, Darshan Jariwala eventually moved out of their home, bringing an end to their life together as a couple under one roof. However, Apara explained that their separation did not turn into bitterness or hostility, something that often surprises people who hear their story. Instead, they gradually found a different kind of relationship built on mutual understanding and familiarity developed over decades together. Their bond, she suggested, remains unique despite the distance.
Speaking about their current equation, Apara said, “And then, one day, he just left home. It is still our home. He has gone. The doors are always open. He can come back. But I also know that he might not. I’m telling you, he’ll never find anybody like me, and I’ll never find anybody like him. And yes, living separately, we are so comfortable with each other. We can still complete each other’s sentences.” Her words reflect a relationship that changed its form rather than disappearing completely, with affection and familiarity continuing to exist despite years of living apart.
The couple married in 1980 and have a daughter together. Although they have been living separately since 2003, they have never legally divorced. Their story stands out because, unlike many high-profile separations that end in public disputes, they have maintained a respectful connection and continued to support each other in different ways over the years.
Apara Mehta And Darshan Jariwala’s Lasting Legacy In Entertainment
Apara Mehta remains one of Indian television’s most recognisable faces, thanks to a career that has spanned decades. While Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi turned her into a household name, she has also appeared in popular television shows including Ek Mahal Ho Sapno Ka, Saat Phere, Hamari Devrani, Jamai Raja, Qayamat Ki Raat, Anupamaa, and Kabhi Kabhie Ittefaq Sey. Beyond television, she has featured in Hindi and Gujarati films such as Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, Devdas, and Tees Maar Khan, building a diverse body of work across different mediums.
Darshan Jariwala has also earned widespread appreciation for his performances in both cinema and theatre. His notable film credits include Gandhi, My Father, Guru, and Ajab Prem Ki Ghazab Kahani, among several others. While both actors built successful careers independently, Apara’s latest revelations have reminded audiences that behind the public image of celebrated performers are deeply personal stories marked by love, heartbreak, resilience, and acceptance.
