Comedian Raju Srivastava passes away in Delhi, condolences pour in for India's 'Comedy King'

Comedian Raju Srivastava, who was on a life support system at AIIMS Delhi, passed away on Wednesday. He was 58.

Family members of Srivastava have confirmed the news. He was admitted to AIIMS on August 10 after experiencing chest pain and collapsing while working out at the gym.

Since then, the comedian was on a life support system at AIIMS. Though he regained consciousness after around 15 days on ventilator support, he was again put on ventilator support after his health condition deteriorated.

Srivastava was declared dead at 10.20 am, said news agency PTI citing hospital sources.

"The untimely demise of eminent comedian Raju Srivastava ji is extremely sad. He had an uncanny talent to enthrall the audience with his comical performances. Due to his influence, the stage of comedy in India got a new identity. My condolences to his family and fans," tweeted President Draupadi Murmu.

प्रख्यात हास्य कलाकार राजू श्रीवास्तव जी का असामयिक निधन बेहद दुखद है। अपनी हास्यपूर्ण प्रस्तुतियों से, दर्शकों को मंत्रमुग्ध करने की उनमें विलक्षण प्रतिभा थी। उनके प्रभाव से भारत में हास्य के मंचन को नई पहचान मिली। उनके परिवार एवं प्रशंसकों को मेरी शोक संवेदनाएँ।

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) September 21, 2022

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the death of the comedian and said, "Raju Srivastava brightened our lives with laughter, humour and positivity. 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. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti."

Raju Srivastava brightened our lives with laughter, humour and positivity. 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. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/U9UjGcfeBK

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 21, 2022

"Renowned comedian Raju Srivastava ji had a unique style, he impressed everyone with his amazing talent. His death is a great loss to the art world. I express my condolences to his family and fans. May God give them the strength to bear this grief," tweeted Home Minister Amit Shah. 

सुप्रसिद्ध हास्य कलाकार राजू श्रीवास्तव जी का एक विशिष्ट अंदाज था, उन्होंने अपनी अद्भुत प्रतिभा से सभी को प्रभावित किया। उनका निधन कला जगत के लिए एक बड़ी क्षति है। मैं उनके परिजनों व प्रशंसकों के प्रति संवेदना व्यक्त करता हूँ। ईश्वर उन्हें यह दुःख सहने की शक्ति दें। ॐ शांति शांति

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 21, 2022

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh extended condolences on the demise of Raju Srivastava. "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," tweeted Singh.

सुप्रसिद्ध हास्य कलाकार, राजू श्रीवास्तव जी के निधन से मुझे गहरा दुःख हुआ है। वे एक मंझे हुए कलाकार होने के साथ-साथ एक बेहद ज़िंदादिल इंसान भी थे। सामाजिक क्षेत्र में भी वे काफ़ी सक्रिय रहते थे। उनके शोकाकुल परिवार एवं प्रशंसकों के प्रति मैं अपनी संवेदना व्यक्त करता हूँ।ॐ शान्ति!

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 21, 2022

Extending condolences to Shrivastava's family and fans, BJP National President JP Nadda said, "I am speechless to hear the news of the demise of well known comedian Shri Raju Shrivastava ji. Raju Srivastava ji left a different mark in the world of comedy."

सुप्रसिद्ध हास्य कलाकार श्री राजू श्रीवास्तव जी के निधन का समाचार सुनकर नि:शब्द हूँ। राजू श्रीवास्तव जी ने हास्य कला की दुनिया में अपनी एक अलग छाप छोड़ी।शोक की इस घड़ी में मेरी संवेदनाएँ उनके परिजनों एवं प्रशंसको के साथ है।ईश्वर पुण्यात्मा को अपने श्रीचरणों में स्थान प्रदान करें।

— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) September 21, 2022

BJP National Vice-President Baijayant Jay Panda also extended heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Srivastava.

"Deeply shocked and anguished by the untimely demise of Shri Raju Srivastav, one of the finest comedians India had! His humour and years of laughter will always be cherished. My heartfelt condolences and prayers are with the bereaved family," tweeted Panda.

Deeply shocked and anguished by the untimely demise of Shri Raju Srivastav, one of the finest comedians India had!

His humour and years of laughter will always be cherished. My heartfelt condolences and prayers are with the bereaved family. Om Shanti. 🙏🏻🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/UMyz5pGGCb

— Baijayant Jay Panda (@PandaJay) September 21, 2022

"Raju Srivastava is no more with us. I, on behalf of the people of UP, pray that his soul rests in peace. I extend my condolences to his family," said Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath.

Srivastava was active in the entertainment industry for the last four decades but received recognition only after he participated in 'The Great Indian Laughter Challenge' in 2005. He also featured in films like 'Maine Pyar Kiya' and 'Aamdani Atthanni Kharcha Rupaiya' among others.