Lesser known facts about Ramayan actor Arvind Trivedi: Did you know he did not audition for Ravan but a boatman in the show?

Senior actor Arvind Trivedi, who played the character of ‘Ravan’ in Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan, passed away in Mumbai on Tuesday night (October 5). The last rites of the actor were held at Dahanukarwadi crematorium, Kandivali West, in Mumbai on Wednesday morning (October 6). Here are some unknown facts about the actor.

The 82-year-old Arvind Trivedi, had earlier mentioned in one of his interviews that he had gone to give an audition for the role of 'Kevat' (Boatman) in Ramayan. But after he walked a few steps, Ramanand Sagar said that he had found his Lankesh (Raavan).

Although Arvind Trivedi did close to 250 films, he rose to fame as Raavan from Ramayan. Interestingly, this is the only negative character he has ever essayed in his career.

Even before Ramayan happened, Arvind Trivedi was a part of 1985 show Vikram Aur Betaal. He played the role of a Yogi. Ramanand Sagar’s Ramayan aired in 1987.

The senior actor sent the social media into a tizzy when a video of him watching the 'Sita apaharan' scene went viral. In the video, he apologised for kidnapping Sita and a few days later, he made his debut on Twitter. The moment Arvind Trivedi entered the world of Twitter, #Raavanontwitter was one of the biggest trends on it.

Raavan's role brought him recognition and he earned a Lok Sabha ticket from Sabarkantha constituency in Gujarat. He served as the Member of Parliament from 1991 to 1996.

Arvind Trivedi acted in more than 250 films that include both Gujarati and Hindi films. Most of his films have been around social dramas and mythologies.

Arvind Trivedi was appointed as the acting chairman of the Central Bureau of Film and Certification after Vijay Anand put down his papers over legalising soft porn. He worked as CBFC chief from 20 July 2002 to 16 October 2003.