Actor-politician Upendra Trivedi takes the last bow

A native of Kukadia village near the Idar town of Sabarkantha district in Gujarat, Trivedi was born on July 14, 1936. His father had settled in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, and Trivedi was one of the four siblings – three brothers and a sister. He did his graduation from the Bombay University in Arts faculty. His younger brother, Arvind, is a well-known actor who shot to fame after playing the character of Ravana in the popular Hindi serial, Ramayana. Trivedi’s elder brother, Bhalchandra, was an educationist.

According to Dulari, Trivedi’s daughter-in-law, during his time of struggle, he used to work in an umbrella manufacturing company as a labourer. Trivedi’s long career in the Gujarati film industry was highlighted by noted films like Malavpati Munj, Manvi ni Bhavai, Jesal-Toral, Patli Parmar, Ma-Baap ne Bhulsho Nahi, Santu Rangili etc.

In the field of stage theatre, Trivedi’s performance in Gujarati play, Abhinay Samrat, was critically acclaimed. He essayed seven roles in the play.

In the later half of his career, Trivedi had ventured into politics and served as the MLA from Bhiloda constituency of north Gujarat for three terms. Once he served as a minister in the state cabinet and as the deputy speaker of Gujarat Assembly during these terms.

Dulari said that Trivedi was suffering with tuberculosis. Recently, he was admitted to a hospital in Mumbai where he stayed for 10 days. Three days back, she added, Trivedi was discharged from the hospital. Though on the intervening night of Saturday-Sunday, he started complaining of respiratory problems and breathed his last around 12.30 am.

Offering condolence on Trivedi’s demise, Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, “An inspiring personality who won hearts both on & off the screen. Sad to hear about Shri Upendra Trivedi’s demise.”

Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel also expressed sorrow on Trivedi’s death. “Sad to know about demise of legendary Gujarat actor Padmashri Upendra Trivedi. His contribution in arts & politics will always be remembered. RIP,” she tweeted.