Denial and Counter-Allegations
Veteran actor Darshan Jariwala has denied allegations made by his estranged wife, TV actress Apara Mehta, that he called her the 'ugliest woman' during an argument about their marriage. In a recent conversation with Siddharth Kannan, Jariwala dismissed Mehta's version of events, saying, "The way it's been narrated, nothing like that happened." He further stated, "There is a neurological phenomenon. Any particular thing that happened, your memory of it changes over time. Your interpretation of it changes, and eventually a false memory can even be created. It is a case of false memory, because what she has described did not happen in that way."
Jariwala, known for films likeGandhi, My Father andKahaani, also remarked, "I am not that kind of a guy who would even tell, let's say, a plain-looking woman that she's ugly." He added, "If she wants to play the victim card, she is absolutely welcome to do that. But I have moved on."
Mehta, who rose to fame playing Savita Mansukh Virani inKyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, had alleged that Jariwala called her the 'ugliest woman' during an argument and that he left their home after telling her he had "fallen out of love" with her. These claims were reported by Hindustan Times and India TV News.
Marriage and Separation
Jariwala and Mehta married in 1982 after eloping when Mehta was 18, later remarrying with their families' blessings. According to India TV News, the couple has been living separately for the last 23 years without opting for a divorce. Jariwala attributed their separation to having "grown differently over the years since getting married in 1982."
Jariwala also addressed the divorce proceedings, stating, "I did file divorce papers, but the judge rejected the application. She didn't give her consent. She'd agreed for divorce, but she changed her mind in front of the judge at the last minute." He added, "I left with just one bag and I gave her and my daughter my house in Santa Cruz. That's all I had to give to her. If someone had to ask for alimony, it should've been me because I was under those circumstances. But nothing like that happened."
Further Remarks
Jariwala also suggested that Mehta's return to India might have been motivated by feeling threatened about being replaced inKyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, a claim reported by Hindustan Times. He said he has been living with interior designer and architect Anahita Italia since 2010 and expressed happiness with his life, adding that he prefers not to discuss his personal life publicly. He questioned why Mehta chose to speak about these matters 23 years after their separation, noting she had never spoken about them before.
Mehta's notable works includeDevdas,Kya Huaa Tera Vaada, andSajan Re Jhoot Mat Bolo.