Comedian Raju Srivastava breathed his last at the age of 58 years at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi. Srivastava had been hospitalised since August 10 after he reported chest pain and collapsed while working out. He was under treatment for more than a month, news agency ANI reported.
Srivastava’s health deteriorated on September 1 when he reported a fever of over 100 degrees and was put on ventilator support for the second time. The comedian was first put on a ventilator on August 10 and had gained consciousness on August 25 after spending almost 15 days in the ventilator.
Soon after the news of the comedian’s death came out, the Internet was flooded with condolences. Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted in Hindi, “I am deeply saddened by the passing away of renowned comedian, Raju Srivastava ji. Apart from being an accomplished artist, he was also a very lively person. He was also very active in the social field. I extend my condolences to his bereaved family and fans. Shanti!”
BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla tweeted, “Deepest condolences on passing away of Raju Srivastava. I knew him personally. He was an extremely good human being and always full of life. His passing away leaves a big void. May Prabhu Ram grant his family strength in this difficult time.”
Poet Dr Kumar Vishwas took to Twitter and wrote, “Raju Bhai finally took a break from the worldly journey to fight the gloom of God’s world. Hundreds of memoirs of his journey from the days of struggle to the pinnacle of fame are floating before the eyes. Last salute to Alexander, who gave the gift, brother.”
Film trade analyst and critic Sumit Kadel wrote, “RIP Raju Srivastava… Legend in the field of standup comedy.. My favourite of all time.. Om Shanti Gajodhar Bhaiya.”
Here are some more reactions on Srivastava's tragic passing
Raju Srivastava is known for his roles in Hindi films like Maine Pyaar Kiya, Baazigar, Tezaab, Aamdani Atthanni Kharcha Rupaiyya, Agnichakra and several others. He also appeared as a contestant on The Great Indian Laughter and also featured on Comedy Nights With Kapil and Shaktimaan. Srivastava was also spotted as a special guest on India’s Laughter Champion, helmed by Archana Puran Singh and Shekhar Suman.
(With agency inputs)