Delhi: Tributes poured in for celebrated comedian Raju Srivastava, who passed away on Wednesday.
Srivastava, credited with heralding the era of standup comedy in the country, breathed his last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, where he was undergoing treatment for over a month. He was 58.
Paying tributes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on his twitter handle that Srivastava will live forever in the hearts of his fans. “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,” he tweeted.
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
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said his wholesome acts made families enjoy and laugh together.
Saddened to learn about the passing away of Raju Srivastva ji.
Crowned as 'the king of comedy', his stand up acts made families laugh together. Sincere condolences to his family, friends and admirers. ॐ शांति। pic.twitter.com/bU7kJErdFZ
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) September 21, 2022
Offering him tributes, Comedy King Kapil Sharma, heartbroken by his death, wrote in Hindi, “Raju Bhai this is the first time you have made us cry.”
आज पहली बार आपने रुलाया है राजू भाई 💔 काश एक मुलाक़ात और हो जाती। ईश्वर आपको अपने चरणों में स्थान दें। आप बहुत याद आएँगे।अलविदा 🙏 ओम् शांति pic.twitter.com/CBHgGyYi34
— Kapil Sharma (@KapilSharmaK9) September 21, 2022
His colleagues from the industry, Sunil Pal and BJP leader Manoj Tiwari, also offered their heartfelt tributes to the comedian.
The UP Legislative Assembly observed a two-minute silence as a mark of respect to the departed comedian. It must be noted that the comedian also tried his hands in politics after the Samajwadi Party fielded him from Kanpur LS seat but later retracted citing lack of support from local units of the party.
Srivastava was admitted to AIIMS after suffering cardiac arrest while working out in the gym on August 10 and had regained consciousness after being on ventilator for 15 days. However, he was put on ventilator support again on September 1.
