Upendra Trivedi

Upendra Jethalal Trivedi (14 July 1936 – 4 January 2015) was an Indian film and stage actor, director and producer who was one of the most prolific actors of Gujarati cinema. He was also politically active. He was also known as Abhinay SamratSamrat.

Early life

Upendra Trivedi was born on 14 July 1936 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. His family hailed from Kukadia village near Idar, Gujarat. His parents moved to Ujjain where he completed his education. He lived with his elder brother in Mumbai in early life. He worked as coolie and labourer in umbrella manufacturing factory when his father who was a mill worker suffered paralysis.

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 Trivedi, is also well-known actor who played Ravana in the Hindi epic TV serial, Ramayana. Trivedi’s elder brother, Bhalchandra, was an educationist.

Career

Considered as one of the most well-known actors of the Gujarati film industry, Trivedi had acted in both Gujarati theatre and films.

Acting career

Upendra Trivedi acted in several drama during his college life in Mumbai. He started his career in industry in the 1970s and had career spanning more than 40 years. He initially played supporting roles in several Gujarati films to earn money and pay college fees. He acted in films like Vanraj Chavdo, Mehndi Rang Lagyo.

His first major break in Gujarati films was Jesal Toral (1971) directed by Ravindra Dave. Ravindra Dave chose his to play lead role following his performance in Gujarati film Abhinay Samrat. Jesal Toral was commercially successful film in which he played role of Jadeja.

He also directed several Gujarati films. His Manvini Bhavai (1993), based on the novel of the same name by Gujarati author, Pannalal Patel. The movie earned the national award. The story of movie was based on the famine of Vikram Samvat 1956 (1900 AD) where the condition of people was dire and many died due to starvation. He also directed and produced Jher To Peedhan Jani Jani based on the novel of same name by Manubhai Pancholi.

He paired with Naresh Kanodia for the first time in film Maa Baap ne Bhulsho Nahi in 1999. He paired with Snehlata in several Gujarati films.

He played seven different roles in Gujarati play, Abhinay Samrat.

His brother Arvind Trivedi is also an actor who acted in Gujarati and Hindi films as well as television shows. He also acted in Hindi film Jungle Main Mangal Pavitra Papi,Parde ke Pichhe Nagina along with his brother Arvind Trivedi in a negative role.

Political career

Upendra Trivedi joined politics in 1980s and contested and won the election in 1985 to Gujarat Legislative Assembly from Bhiloda. He served as deputy speaker of the assembly from 31 March 2000 to 19 July 2002.

He wrote an autobiography, Upendra Trivedi : Atmakathan ane Anya Aalekh in Gujarati.

Death

He died on 4 January 2015 at Mumbai following respiratory arrest. Trivedi was married and had two sons.

Awards

He received Padma Shri in 1989 and Pandit Omkarnath Thakur award also.

Filmography

As actor

• Jesal Toral (1971)
• Mahasati Savitri (1973)
• Maa Baap ne Bhulsho Nahi (1999)
• Jungle Main Mangal
• Patri Parmar
• Manek Thumbh (1978)
• Sadevant Savlinga
• Garvo Garasiyo
• Raja Gopichand
• Ver ni Vasulat
• Suraj Chandra ni Sakhe
• Bhadar Tara Vaheta Pani
• Amarsinh Rathore
• Halaman Jethvo
• Shetal Ne Kanthe
• Vachhad Dada ni Dikri
• Mehulo Luhar
• Dholi Taro Dhol Vaage (2008)
• Sorath ni Padamani
• Son Kansari
• Sona Indhoni Roopa Bedlu
• Mahiyar ni Chundadi
• Naagmati Naagvalo
• Hothal Padamani
• Dada ne Vahali Dikari
• Bhav Bhav Na Bheru
• Mali Methan
• Kanku Pagala
• Malavpati Munj
• Kadu Makrani
• Vir Pasali
• Raja Bharathari
• Preet Khanda Ni Dhar
• Mali Methan
• Chitada No Chor
• Machhu Tara Vaheta Pani
• "Vir Mangdavalo"

Patli parmar Santu rangili

As director

• Manvini Bhavai (1993)
• Jher To Peedha Chhe Jani Jani (1972)