Veteran actor Arvind Trivedi passes away
Mumbai(PTI): Veteran actor Arvind Trivedi, best known for playing Raavan on the popular 1986 mythological show "Ramayan", died on late Tuesday evening following a heart attack. He was in his early 80s.
According to the actor's nephew, Kaustubh Trivedi, the actor had been unwell for a long time and breathed his last around 10 pm at his residence here in suburban Kandivali.
"He had a lot of age related health issues and was not keeping well. He was in the hospital earlier and had come home only recently. He died of a heart attack at his residence around 10-10.30 pm," Kaustubh told PTI.
His last rites were held at Dahanukar Wadi cremation ground, Kandivali, on Wednesday morning.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Arvind Trivedi, describing him as an "exceptional actor" who was passionate about public service.
Besides his acting career, in 1991, Arvind Trivedi was elected as a Member of Parliament from Sabarkatha constituency as a member of Bharatiya Janata Party and was in the office till 1996.
"We have lost Shri Arvind Trivedi, who was not only an exceptional actor but also was passionate about public service. For generations of Indians, he will be remembered for his work in the Ramayan TV serial. Condolences to the families and admirers of both actors. Om Shanti," the prime minister said in a tweet.
A host of celebrities, including his co-stars from "Ramayan", also took to social media and mourned Arvind Trivedi's demise.
Actor Arun Govil, the on-screen Ram from "Ramayan", remembered his co-star and dear friend as "a noble, religious and simple" person.
"Undoubtedly, he will go straight to the supreme abode and will find the company of Lord Shri Ram," Govil tweeted.
Actor Dipika Chikhalia, who essayed the role of Sita in "Ramayan", wrote, "My heartfelt condolences to his family a very fine human being #arvindtrivedi #ravan."
Actor Sunil Lahri, seen in the role of Lakshman in "Ramayan", said he was deeply saddened by the news as he has lost a dear friend and a well-wisher.
"There is very sad news for all of us. Our beloved Arvind bhai (Ravan of Ramayan) is no more with us. May his soul rest in peace. I am speechless. I lost a father figure, my guide, well wisher & gentleman."
Arvind Trivedi also served as the chief of the Central Board for Film Certification (CBFC) from 2002-2003.
Current CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi also paid homage to the late actor on Twitter.
"Saddened to hear the news of respected Arvind ji's death. He was a good actor and also spent a few years guiding the #CBFC. Prayers. #ArvindTrivedi#arvindtrivedi," Joshi wrote.
"Sad to know about the demise of well known theatre, tv & film actor #ArvindTrivedi ji due to massive heart attack. My heartfelt condolences to his entire family & near ones. Om Shanti," wrote filmmaker Ashok Pandit.
Arvind Trivedi acted in nearly 300 Hindi and Gujarati movies and found immense popularity on the Ramanand Sagar 1986 TV series "Ramayan".
The actor's other works, including TV series "Vikram Aur Betaal" (1985) and the 1998 Gujarati feature film "Desh Re Joya Dada Pardesh Joya", were also huge hits.
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8 children between ages of 1 and 14 dead after mass shooting in Louisiana, police say
Shreveport(US) (AP): A gunman in Louisiana killed eight children in shootings at two different homes early Sunday in the nation's deadliest mass shooting in more than two years, police in Shreveport said.
The victims ranged in age from one to about 14 years old, said Shreveport police spokesperson Chris Bordelon. A total of 10 were shot and some of the children were related to the suspect, Bordelon said.
The gunman later died after a chase with officers who fired at the suspect, Bordelon said. The suspect stole a car while leaving the scene of the shootings and was followed by police, according to Bordelon.
Police did not release the name of the suspect but did say he was an adult male. The shootings were the result of a “domestic disturbance,” Bordelon said.
Officials said they were still gathering details at the crime scenes south of downtown Shreveport — the two homes and a third location.
“This is an extensive scene unlike anything most of us have ever seen,” he said.
It was the deadliest mass shooting in the US since eight people were killed in a Chicago suburb in January 2024, according to a database maintained by The Associated Press and USA Today in partnership with Northeastern University.
At a news conference outside the residence where one of the shootings occurred, officials appeared stunned, requesting patience and prayers from the community as they sorted through multiple crime scenes.
“I just don't know what to say, my heart is just taken aback,” Shreveport Police Chief Wayne Smith said. “I cannot begin to imagine how such an event could occur.”
“This is a tragic situation — maybe the worst tragic situation we've ever had,” said Tom Arceneaux, mayor of the city in northwestern Louisiana with about 180,000 residents. “It's a terrible morning.”
Louisiana State Police say their detectives have been asked by Shreveport police to investigate. In a statement, state police say no officers were harmed in the shooting that involved an officer after a police pursuit into Bossier City on Sunday morning.
State police are asking anyone with pictures, video or information to share it with state police detectives.
Louisiana Gov Jeff Landry said in a statement that he and his wife were heartbroken. “We're deeply grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders working tirelessly on the scene,” he added.
