Veteran actor Arvind Trivedi passes away

Veteran actor Arvind Trivedi, who is best remembered for his role as Raavan in the popular TV show, Ramayan (1986), died on Tuesday 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 told PTI. 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 to mourn Arvind Trivedi's demise. 

Dipika Chikhalia, who played Sita in Ramayan, wrote, "My heartfelt condolences to his family. A very fine human being." Sunil Lahri, seen in the role of Lakshman, 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 is no more with us. May his soul rest in peace. I am speechless. I lost a father figure, my guide, well-wisher and gentleman," he wrote.

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

Other celebrities who mourned the loss of the actor include present CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi and filmmaker Ashok Pandit. 

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

His other acting credits include the TV series, Vikram Aur Betaal, and the 1998 Gujarati film Desh Re Joya Dada Pardesh Joya.

Apart from his acting career, Arvind Trivedi had a successful political career that saw him get elected as a Member of Parliament from Sabarkatha as a member of Bharatiya Janata Party and was in the office till 1996