Upendra Trivedi stands as a towering figure in Gujarati cinema and theatre, earning the title “Abhinay Samrat” for his exceptional acting prowess. His career spanned over four decades, blending stage performances with film direction and political service.
Early Life and Career
Upendra Jethalal Trivedi was born on July 14, 1936, in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. His family originated from Kukadia village near Idar, Gujarat. His father worked as a mill worker and suffered paralysis, leaving young Upendra to support the household. He grew up with three siblings—two brothers and a sister. The family moved to Ujjain when he was still young. At the start of his career, he worked as a coolie and laborer in an umbrella factory to support his family.
Trivedi completed his schooling in Ujjain. He later pursued higher education at Bombay University, earning a degree in arts. His college years in Mumbai exposed him to theater, where he honed his acting skills.
Upendra Trivedi In Films
Trivedi began with Gujarati theatre during college, performing in dramas. He started his film career in the 1960s, debuting with “Mehndi Rang Lagyo (1960)” and “Jogidas Khuman (1962).” Early roles were supporting parts, taken to fund his education. He made his Hindi film debut with “Pavitra Papi (1970)” starring Balraj Sahni, Tanuja and Parikshit Sahni.
His breakthrough came with Jesal Toral (1971), directed by Ravindra Dave, marking his rise as a lead actor. In 1972 he turned director with Zer To Pidhan Jani Jani (1972), starring Anupama, Arvind Tirvedi and himself. The film was based on Manubhai Pancholi’s novel of the same name.
In 1976 he starred in Ravindra Dave’s “Malavpati Munj” alongside Tanuja, Shrikant Soni, Arvind Kirad, Nalin Dave, Firoz Irani, and Ramesh Mehta. The film was based on K. M. Munshi’s historical novel “Prithvi Vallabh.”
Abhinay Samrat
Trivedi then starred in several impactful films like Kaadu Makrani (1973), Hothal Padmini (1974), Jai Ranchhod (1975), Bhadar Tara Vehata Paani (1976), Vir Mangdavalo (1976), Santu Rangili (1976), Sone Kansari (1977), Verni Vasulaat (1978), Kunvari Satino Kesriyo Kanth (1979), Garvo Garasiyo (1979), Seth Jagdusha (1981), Bhav Bhav Na Bheru (1981), Nagmati Nagvalo (1984), and Bhadar Ne Kanthe (1992).His last film role was in Maa Baap ne Bhulsho Nahi in 1999.
He also acted in Hindi films like Parde Ke Peeche (1971), Jungle Main Mangal (1972), Trimurti (1974), and Khel Khiladi Ka (1977).
In 1993 he directed Manvini Bhavai (1993), starring himself with Anuradha Patel, Arvind Pandya, and Chandrakant Pandya. The film was based on the novel by renowned Gujarati author Pannalal Patel. It is the lovestory set against the Indian famine of 1899-1900. The film won the National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Gujarati.
Later Years
Upendra Trivedi moved to Mumbai with his brother in his youth, facing financial hardship. He entered politics in the 1980s, winning Gujarat Legislative Assembly elections in 1985, 1990 (Congress), and 1998 (Independent) from Bhiloda. He served as deputy speaker from 2000 to 2002. Achievements include the Padma Shri (1989) and Pandit Omkarnath Thakur Award.
Trivedi’s brother Arvind’s fame as Ravan in Ramayan (1987) paralleled his own legacy. Upendra Trivedi died on January 4, 2015, in Mumbai at 78 from respiratory arrest
Upendra Trivedi on IMDB
