RIP Raju Srivastava: Known for his earthy humour and inimitable delivery style, comedian Raju Srivastava, who became a household name in his delightful 'Gajodhar Bhaiyya' persona, breathed his last on Wednesday, September 21, aged 58. The popular comedian battled for his life for 43 days.
He passed away at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), where he had been rushed on August 9 after he complained of chest pain and collapsed in the South Delhi gym where he was working out.
Srivastava was at once moved to the Intensive Care Unit and put on a ventilator. Doctors had then said that he had suffered brain damage.
Bollywood actors, TV stars and comedians mourned the passing of Raju Srivastava all through Wednesday. The news did come as a shock to the entire entertainment industry and the feeling comes across in the spontaneity of their tributes.
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The artiste, who featured in Hindi films such as "Maine Pyar Kiya" and "Baazigar", was declared dead at 10.20 am, according to hospital sources.
Srivastava, who is survived by his wife and two children, was chairperson of the Film Development Council Uttar Pradesh. The last rites will take place on Thursday morning in New Delhi, his brother said.
Soon after the news of his death was flashed in the media, friends, relatives and fans reached his Kanpur residence where his family members reside, to pay their heartfelt tributes. While mourning for the comic-actor, the fans recalled his spectacular personality and how grounded he was throughout his life despite making a name for himself.
Read: Pics: Raju Srivastava's death draws grieving fans outside his Kanpur residence
(With news agency inputs)