Before Ranbir Kapoor vs Yash in Ramayana, Arvind Trivedi's Ravana set the gold standard; here's all about the legendary actor

The first look and cast announcement of Nitesh Tiwari's Ramayana has sparked a massive debate on social media. While the film features a star-studded lineup including Ranbir Kapoor as Lord Ram, Sai Pallavi as Sita, Yash as Ravana, Sunny Deol as Hanuman, Ravi Dubey as Lakshman, and Arun Govil as King Dashrath, fans have already started comparing it with Ramanand Sagar's iconic 1987 television series Ramayan.

Among the biggest talking points is the portrayal of Ravana. As Yash prepares to step into the role, many viewers are revisiting the unforgettable performance of veteran actor Arvind Trivedi, whose portrayal of the demon king remains one of the most celebrated in Indian television history.

Arvind Trivedi's iconic Ravana

Arvind Trivedi became a household name after playing Ravana in Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan. Although Ravana was the primary antagonist, Trivedi's nuanced performance won admiration from audiences across generations. His commanding screen presence, powerful dialogue delivery, and ability to portray both the arrogance and intellect of the character made the role unforgettable.



Even decades after the series first aired, many fans continue to consider Trivedi's Ravana the benchmark against which every new portrayal is judged.

He also starred in Vikram Aur Betaal

Apart from Ramayan, Trivedi appeared in another popular television show, Vikram Aur Betaal. The fantasy series, known for its engaging stories and moral lessons, further established him as one of the most recognizable faces on Indian television during the late 1980s.

A successful career in Gujarati cinema

While television brought him nationwide fame, Arvind Trivedi enjoyed a long and successful career in Gujarati cinema spanning more than three decades. He appeared in numerous films and earned a loyal fan following in the regional film industry.

Among his most celebrated films is 'Desh Re Joya Dada Pardesh Joya', regarded as one of the biggest blockbusters in the history of Gujarati cinema.

Came from a family of actors

Acting ran in the family. Arvind Trivedi's elder brother, Upendra Trivedi, was an acclaimed actor, filmmaker, and one of the biggest names in Gujarati cinema. The brothers made significant contributions to the regional entertainment industry. Trivedi appeared in the Gujarati film 'Maatema Bija Vagdana Vaa', which is believed to have been among the veteran actor's final films.

He also entered politics

Beyond acting, Trivedi had a political career. He served as a Member of Parliament from 1991 to 1996, representing his constituency in the Lok Sabha. His public life extended beyond cinema, reflecting his involvement in national affairs.

Served as CBFC acting chairman

Arvind Trivedi also briefly served as the acting chairman of the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) between 2002 and 2003. During his tenure, he was involved in overseeing film certification and censorship matters.

Arvind Trivedi passed away in October 2021 at the age of 82. While generations of actors have portrayed Ravana on screen, his performance in Ramanand Sagar's Ramayan continues to be regarded as one of the finest depictions of the character, and remains a key reference point as audiences eagerly await Nitesh Tiwari's 'Ramayana'.