Comedian Raju Srivastava dies after 41 days in hospital

Popular comedian Raju Srivastava passed away on Wednesday (September 21), more than a month after he suffered a cardiac arrest, said his brother Dipoo Srivastava. He was 58.

Srivastava, was diagnosed with severe brain damage after he suffered a cardiac arrest on August 10 while working out in the gym. He reportedly experienced chest pain and collapsed while working out on the treadmill. His trainer rushed him to AIIMS, Delhi where he was given CPR to resuscitate his heart.

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“I got a call from the family about half-an-hour ago saying he is no more. It is really unfortunate news. He was fighting in the hospital for over 40 days,” Dipoo Srivastava told PTI.

Raju Srivastava was declared dead at 10.20 am, according to hospital sources.

The comic was being treated by a team of doctors headed by Dr Nitish Nyay of the Cardiology and Emergency Department. He was on ventilator support and had been unconscious since his admission to the hospital.

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had spoke to Srivastava’s wife Shikha to inquire about his health.

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A familiar face in the entertainment industry since the 1980s, the comedian tasted unparalleled success after participating in the first season of the reality stand-up comedy show The Great Indian Laughter Challenge (2005). Raju Srivastava had also featured in Hindi films such as Maine Pyar Kiya, Baazigar, the remake of Bombay to Goa and Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiya. He was the chairperson of the Film Development Council Uttar Pradesh.

(With inputs from agencies)