In 1987, when Ramanand Sagar was making Ramayana, the whole country was wondering who would play the dreaded role of Lankapati Ravana. Everyone’s first choice on the set was Bollywood’s biggest villain Amrish Puri. But destiny had something else in store. Then came an actor who had come from Gujarat just asking for a small role of a boatman. With his clever moves, he became the greatest Ravana in the history of India. Let us know how the casting of Arvind Trivedi happened.
Arvind Trivedi was expert in acting
Arvind Trivedi, born on 8 November 1938 in Indore, spent his childhood in Ujjain. When he got fever of acting, he came to Mumbai to study. His brother Upendra Trivedi was a big name in Gujarati cinema. But the path was not easy for Arvind ji. He started his career with Gujarati theatre. Did small roles for years. Struggled with the drama troupe by roaming from village to village. In a long journey of almost 40 years, he worked in more than 300 Gujarati and Hindi films.
How was the casting of Ravana?
When the casting of Ramayana started, the first choice of Ramanand Sagar and his entire team was Amrish Puri. His heavy voice and villainous aura were considered perfect for Ravana. But things could not work out due to heavy fees and dues. Arvind Trivedi came to Mumbai from Gujarat after auditioning about 300 artists. He had come to ask Ramanand Sagar for a small role as a boatman. He auditioned as a boatman and when he came back without saying anything with his broad chest and a graceful gait, Ramanand Sagar’s attention fell on his gait. Ramanand Sagar immediately shouted. I got my Lankesh. Ravana’s arrogance and royal style are clearly visible in this fellow. Becoming Ravana was as proud as it was physically and mentally painful.
How did you reach the shooting?
The shooting took place in Umargaon, Gujarat. Arvind Trivedi used to reach the set every day by taking local and passenger trains from Mumbai. Had to travel standing for hours. Every day before the voice over shooting, 5 hours of heavy make-up was applied. He used to shoot for hours wearing a heavy crown and jewelery weighing more than 10 kg. The most surprising thing was that Arvind ji, who challenged Ram ji on screen, was an ardent devotee of Lord Ram and Shiva in real life. As soon as the scene was over, he would cry and apologize to Lord Ram with folded hands.