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Arvind Trivedi Biography: Age, Career, Family and More

F4U Editorial Desk • Updated October 3, 2026 • 6 min read

Quick Info

Date of birth8 November 1938

Age82 Years (at time of death)

BirthplaceUjjain, British India (now Madhya Pradesh, India)

ProfessionActor, Politician

NationalityIndian

Marital statusMarried

SpouseNalini Arvind Trivedi

FamilyThree daughters

Arvind Trivedi Biography

Arvind Trivedi was an Indian actor and politician best known for his portrayal of Ravan in Ramanand Sagar's television epic Ramayan. He worked extensively—

Early life and background

Arvind Trivedi was born on 8 November 1938 in Ujjain, then part of British India. His family originally came from Kukadia Village near Idar in Gujarat before settling in Ujjain. He grew up in a household shaped by modest means; his father worked in a mill and later suffered a paralytic attack. Trivedi’s elder brother Upendra Trivedi also pursued acting and became a prominent figure in Gujarati theatre and film, providing inspiration for Arvind’s own path into performance.

Career

Trivedi began his career on the stage, performing in numerous Gujarati plays. He moved into cinema in the early 1970s, making his debuts in both Gujarati and Hindi films in 1971 with Jesal Toral (Gujarati) and Paraya Dhan (Hindi). Over the course of his screen career he appeared in more than 250 films across Gujarati and Hindi cinema, frequently in projects that dealt with religious themes and social issues. His work in Gujarati film earned him multiple Best Actor awards from the Government of Gujarat.

Television brought him national recognition when Ramanand Sagar cast him as Ravan in the 1987 television series Ramayan. Although he had originally auditioned for a different part, the creator chose him for Ravan after seeing his audition. The serial’s popularity made his portrayal iconic and he became widely identified with the character. Despite Ravan’s status as an antagonistic figure in the epic, Trivedi noted that public response treated the character with respect, and he was often referred to by the name Lankesh in his own neighborhood.

Beyond Ramayan, Trivedi appeared in other television productions such as Vikram Aur Betal (1988), where he played a Yogi, and Brahmrishi Vishwamitra (1991), portraying Trishanku. In 2002 he was appointed acting chairman of the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC).

Politics and public service

Trivedi also entered public life through politics. Running on a Bharatiya Janata Party ticket, he was elected to the Lok Sabha from the Sabarkantha constituency in Gujarat and served as a Member of Parliament from 1991 to 1996. Later in life he engaged in social work and was associated with several organizations focused on community service.

Public profile

Trivedi’s performance in Ramayan made him a household name. The serial’s broadcast drew huge audiences and the characters’ portrayals became deeply embedded in popular culture; his peers from the show, including Arun Govil, Deepika Chikhalia and Sunil Lahri, received similar recognition for their roles. When Ramayan was re-telecast on Doordarshan in March 2020, Trivedi experienced a wave of renewed interest and nostalgia for the series.

Personal life

Arvind Trivedi married Nalini on 4 June 1966. The couple had three daughters. His family included siblings Upendra Trivedi, a noted Gujarati actor who later served in Parliament as well, and Bhalchandra, an educationist.

Death

Arvind Trivedi passed away on 5 October 2021 in Mumbai. He was 82 years old. The reported cause of death was cardiac arrest followed by multiple organ failure.

Latest updates

Revisits of Ramayan on television brought Trivedi renewed attention late in his life, and his portrayal of Ravan remains a defining element of his public legacy. He is remembered for a long career in theatre, film and television, his service in Parliament, and his involvement in cultural and social work.
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Recent Work

Ramayan (TV)

Portrayed Ravan in Ramanand Sagar's television series

1987
Vikram Aur Betal (TV)

Played the role of Yogi

1988
Brahmrishi Vishwamitra (TV)

Played the role of Trishanku

1991
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Career Highlights

  1. Portrayed Ravan in Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan, achieving nationwide recognition
  2. Appeared in over 250 Gujarati and Hindi films, many with religious and social themes
  3. Won multiple Best Actor awards from the Government of Gujarat for Gujarati films
  4. Served as Member of Parliament for Sabarkantha, Gujarat (1991–1996)
  5. Appointed acting chairman of the Central Board for Film Certification in 2002
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Frequently Asked Questions

When was Arvind Trivedi born?

8 November 1938

What is Arvind Trivedi known for?

Actor, Politician

What is Arvind Trivedi’s marital status?

Married

Who is Arvind Trivedi married to?

Nalini Arvind Trivedi