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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Ready to face no-confidence motion, says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah
Hassan (Karnataka) (PTI): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Saturday said that the Congress government led by him was ready to face the no-confidence motion if moved by the opposition during the legislature session from December 8.
With Deputy CM D K Shivakumar by his side, he reiterated that they would both abide by the high command's decision on the leadership issue.
"Let them (opposition) bring in a no-confidence motion or adjournment motion or any other motion. We are ready to face it. Ours is an open book, transparent government. We are ready to face anything," Siddaramaiah said in response to a question.
However, BJP state President B Y Vijayendra and Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly R Ashoka, clarified that the party, along with the JD(S) has not discussed or decided anything so far regarding moving a no-confidence motion against the government.
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The winter session of the Karnataka legislature will begin in Belagavi, bordering Maharashtra, on December 8 and will go on till 19th of this month.
Not wanting to react to a question on the leadership issue, the CM said the Congress high command is very strong.
"D K Shivakumar and I will be committed to whatever the high command decides," he said.
Earlier in the day in Bengaluru, Shivakumar accompanied AICC Mallikarjun Kharge till airport from Vidhana Soudha, after paying tributes to B R Ambedkar on his 69th death anniversary, which had led to some speculation about possible discussion between the two on the leadership issue.
The power tussle within the ruling party had intensified amid speculation about a change in chief minister in the state, after the Congress government reached the halfway mark of its five-year term on November 20.
However, both the CM and Deputy CM had recently held breakfast meetings at each others residences, on the instructions of the high command, which is seen as a move to pause the leadership tussle between the two and to signal Siddaramaiah's continuation as the CM for the time being, especially ahead of the Belagavi legislature session.
