Veteran actor Arvind Trivedi passes away, departed is Raavan of Ramayan

MUMBAI: Veteran actor Arvind Trivedi, best known for playing Raavan on the popular 1986 mythological show Ramayan, died on late Tuesday evening following a heart attack. He was in his early 80s.

According to the actor's nephew, Kaustubh Trivedi, the actor had been unwell for a long time and breathed his last around 10 pm at his residence here in suburban Kandivali.

"He had a lot of age related health issues and was not keeping well. He was in the hospital earlier and had come home only recently. He died of a heart attack at his residence around 10-10.30 pm," Kaustubh said.

His last rites were held at Dahanukar Wadi cremation ground, Kandivali, on Wednesday morning.

A host of celebrities including his co-stars from Ramayan took to social media and mourned Arvind Trivedi's demise.

Actor Dipika Chikhalia, who essayed the role of Sita in Ramayan, wrote, "My heartfelt condolences to his family a very fine human being #arvindtrivedi #ravan."

Actor Sunil Lahri, seen in the role of Lakshman in Ramayan, said he was deeply saddened by the news as he has lost a dear friend and a well-wisher.

"There is very sad news for all of us. Our beloved Arvind bhai (Ravan of Ramayan) is no more with us. May his soul rest in peace. I am speechless. I lost a father figure, my guide, well-wisher & gentleman."

Arvind Trivedi also served as the chief of the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) from 2002-2003.

Current CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi also paid homage to the late actor on Twitter.

"Saddened to hear the news of respected Arvind ji's death. He was a good actor and also spent a few years guiding the #CBFC. Prayers. #ArvindTrivedi#arvindtrivedi," Joshi wrote.

"Sad to know about the demise of well known theatre, tv & film actor #ArvindTrivedi ji due to massive heart attack. My heartfelt condolences to his entire family & near ones. Om Shanti," wrote filmmaker Ashok Pandit.

Arvind Trivedi acted in nearly 300 Hindi and Gujarati movies and found immense popularity on the Ramanand Sagar 1986 TV series Ramayan.

The actor's other works, including TV series "Vikram Aur Betaal" (1985) and the 1998 Gujarati feature film "Desh Re Joya Dada Pardesh Joya", were also huge hits.

Besides his acting career, in 1991, Arvind Trivedi was elected as a Member of Parliament from Sabarkatha constituency as a member of Bharatiya Janata Party and was in the office till 1996.