‘I Know My Truth’: Darshan Jariwala Breaks Silence on Estranged Wife Apara Mehta’s Allegations
After two decades of relative silence, veteran actor Darshan Jariwala has finally addressed the controversial claims made by his estranged wife, actress Apara Mehta. The couple, who separated 23 years ago but remain legally married, have recently become the subject of public discourse after Mehta recounted painful details regarding their split.
In a recent interview with Siddharth Kannan, Jariwala pushed back against Mehta’s assertions—specifically her claims that he abruptly walked out of their home and insulted her by calling her the “ugliest woman” he had ever known.
Refuting the Narrative
Jariwala firmly denied the allegations, attributing Mehta’s version of events to a “false memory.” He argued that the passage of time can distort personal recollections, suggesting that his wife may be subconsciously reshaping their history.
“I’m not that kind of a guy who would even tell, let’s say a plain-looking woman, that she’s ugly,” Jariwala stated. “If I know myself well, I’d talk about how the person is inside, and not really from outside.”
Regarding the timing of these allegations—more than two decades after their separation—the actor expressed confusion. “I can’t even fathom why she’d want to talk about these things 23 years after being separated. She is absolutely welcome to play the victim card, but I know my truth. Truth has no versions.”
Differing Priorities and Unsuccessful Ventures
When reflecting on the breakdown of their 1982 marriage, Jariwala pointed to the natural evolution of two individuals. He explained that as they grew, their personal and professional priorities diverged. The actor noted that his own financial struggles during an unsuccessful business venture added significant strain to their relationship.
“If you plant two saplings together, they’ll grow differently,” he remarked. “My circumstances changed because I was involved in an unsuccessful business venture… so we tried to give the best childhood to our daughter. That’s where we were very clear.”
Jariwala also addressed why a legal divorce never materialized. He claims he initiated the proceedings, but the process stalled when Mehta allegedly changed her mind in the courtroom at the eleventh hour.
Moving Forward
Since 2010, Jariwala has been in a relationship with interior designer and architect Anahita Italia. Despite the long-standing separation from Mehta, the actor maintains that he has fostered a stable and loving relationship with his daughter. He rejected the notion that Mehta raised their daughter entirely on her own, emphasizing that he remains an active and supportive father.
Reflecting on his journey, Jariwala noted that he eventually overcame his period of financial hardship, going on to achieve critical acclaim for his performance in the 2007 film Gandhi, My Father.
As the public continues to digest these conflicting accounts, the Darshan Jariwala controversy serves as a stark reminder of how personal memories and subjective truths can diverge, especially when viewed through the lens of decades of separation. For now, the actor maintains that he has moved on and is content with the life he has built for himself.
