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.
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."
"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.
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.
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."
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.
"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.