Raju Srivastava dies: Actors, politicians pay tribute to the comedian

Indian standup comic Raju Srivastava died on Wednesday after being in the hospital for more than 40 days, his family confirmed. He was 58. Various actors, politicians and comedians paid tributes to the veteran comic, who became popular after participating in the television show The Great Indian Laughter Challenge.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembered Raju Srivastava for his “humour and positivity”, saying he “brightened our lives with laughter.” 

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“He leaves us too soon but he will continue to live in the hearts of countless people thanks to his rich work over the years. His demise is saddening”, Modi said in a social media post.

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was one of the first to offer his condolences. “I am deeply saddened by the death of popular comedian-actor Raju Shrivastava. Besides being an adept performer, he also had a very lively and cheerful personality. He was also very active in the field of social activities”, he wrote.

Srivastava had joined the BJP in 2014 after a stint with the Samajwadi Party, news agency PTI reported.

“Raju Srivastava Om Shanti RIP,” wrote veteran filmmaker Rakesh Roshan on Instagram.

There will never be another Raju Srivastava”, said comedian Rehman Khan.”Raju Bhai Aap jaisa na koi tha na koi aayega , bahot yaad aaoge aap #RIP #rajusrivastava,” he wrote on social media.

Actor Nimrat Kaur and director Sanjay Gupta remembered the comedian too.

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“Deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Late Raju Srivastava Ji. May God bless his journey into the light #RIPRajuSrivastava,” Kaur wrote. “Rest In Peace Raju. Thank you for all these years of fun and laughter,” said Gupta.

Raju Srivastava, one of the most experienced standup comics in India, was seen in various Bollywood movies. These include Maine Pyar Kiya, Mai Prem Ki Diwani Hu and Baazigar.