Upendra Jethalal Trivedi was an Indian film and stage actor, director and producer who was one of the most prolific actors of Gujarati cinema. As an actor films like Mehndi Rang Lagyo, Jogidas Khuman were few of his earliest appearances in Gujarati films. He was also politically active. He was also known as ''Abhinay Samrat'.
Early life
Upendra Trivedi was born on 14 July 1936 in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, India. His family hailed from Kukadia village near Idar, Gujarat. His parents moved to Ujjain where he completed his education. He lived with his elder brother in Mumbai in early life. He worked as a coolie and a labourer in umbrella manufacturing factory when his father who was a mill worker suffered paralysis. Trivedi was one of the four siblings – three brothers and a sister. He did his graduation from the Bombay University in Arts faculty. His younger brother, Arvind Trivedi, is also well-known actor who played Ravana in the Hindi epic TV serial, Ramayana. Trivedi's elder brother, Bhalchandra, was an educationist.
Upendra Trivedi acted in several drama during his college life in Mumbai. He started his career in industry in the 1970s and had career spanning more than 40 years. He initially played supporting roles in several Gujarati films to earn money and pay college fees. He acted in films like Vanraj Chavdo, Mehndi Rang Lagyo. His first major break in Gujarati films was Jesal Toral directed by Ravindra Dave. Ravindra Dave chose his to play lead role following his performance in Gujarati filmAbhinay Samrat. Jesal Toral was commercially successful film in which he played role of Jadeja. He also directed several Gujarati films. His Manvini Bhavai, based on the novel of the same name by Gujarati author, Pannalal Patel. The movie earned the national award. The story of movie was based on the famine of Vikram Samvat 1956 where the condition of people was dire and many died due to starvation. He also directed and produced Jher To Peedhan Jani Jani based on the novel of same name by Manubhai Pancholi. He paired with Naresh Kanodiafor the first time in film Maa Baap ne Bhulsho Nahi in 1999. He paired with Snehlata in several Gujarati films. He played seven different roles in Gujarati play, Abhinay Samrat. His brother Arvind Trivedi is also an actor who acted in Gujarati and Hindi films as well as television shows. He also acted in Hindi film Jungle Main Mangal Pavitra Papi,Parde ke Pichhe Nagina along with his brother Arvind Trivedi in a negative role.
Political career
Upendra Trivedi joined politics in 1980s and contested and won the election in 1985 and 1990 with INC ticket and 1998 as an independent candidate to Gujarat Legislative Assembly from Bhiloda. He served as the deputy speaker of the assembly from 31 March 2000 to 19 July 2002. He wrote an autobiography, Upendra Trivedi : Atmakathan ane Anya Aalekh.
