Raju Srivastava dies: PM Modi, others pay tributes to comedian - who said what

Raju Srivastava Death: Popular comedian and actor Raju Srivastava died at the age of 58 on Wednesday, September 21. He was undergoing treatment at AIIMD, Delhi since August 10. Best known for the stage character 'Gajodhar', Raju was admitted to the hospital after he fell unconscious at gym and underwent an angioplasty procedure. He remained on ventilator support since then.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Raju Srivastava, saying he brightened our lives with laughter, humour and positivity.

“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.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that he was deeply saddened by the death of Raju Srivastava, and expressed condolences to his bereaved family and fans. "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. I express my condolences to his bereaved family and his admirers."

Minister of Road Transport & Highways Nitin Gadkari tweeted, "Anguished to hear about the demise of Comedy Legend Raju Srivastav Ji. An Entertainer par Excellence, his mannerisms & observational comedy truly mirrored the daily life of us Indians. My condolences to his family members. Om Shanti"

Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar tweeted, "Saddened to hear the tragic news of Raju Srivastav's untimely demise. He made us all laugh with his amazing comic timing for so many years we have lost a gem. My deepest condolences to his family members & admirers. #OmShanti"

With a broken heart, actor Sonu Sood said "RIP Raju Bhai"

Virender Sehwag called Srivastav a genuine comedian and tweeted, "Om Shanti, Raju Bhai. A genuine comedian who made people laugh with clean humour and sharp observation.  Condolences to his family and fans. #RajuSrivastav"

Raju Srivastava, who made a mark as a stand-up comic and later entered politics, died after more than 40 days in the hospital. He was 58. He had joined the BJP in 2014.

Raju Srivastava, counted as among the most high-profile and experienced comics in the country, is survived by his wife and two children. He featured in Hindi films such as "Maine Pyar Kiya" and "Baazigar". Srivastava was chairperson of the Film Development Council Uttar Pradesh.

(With inputs of PTI)