Raju Srivastava died due to 2nd cardiac arrest, says Nephew

Comedian-actor Raju Srivastava who was admitted to AIIMS Delhi following cardiac arrest has passed away. He was only 58. As per new report, the cause of the comedian’s death was another heart attack which he suffered during his treatment at the hospital.

Kushal Srivastava, Raju Srivastava’s nephew, said that he died due to a second cardiac arrest.

"He passed away due to a second cardiac arrest. We were confident till yesterday that all will be well because he had battling it for two months." said Kushal.

Srivastava was admitted to AIIMS Delhi following a major heart attack on August 10. The comedian experienced pain and collapsed while working out at a gym. For more than 40 days, he was admitted to AIIMS and was on a ventilator.

Raju’s brother, Dipoo Srivastava, said that he had been fighting for his life for more than 40 days. "I got a call in the morning saying he is no more. It is really unfortunate news. He had been waging a struggle for life in hospital for over 40 days," he said as quoted by PTI.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi penned a heartfelt tribute to the standup comedian. Sharing a photograph with Srivastava, PM Modi 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.”

In the 80s, Raju Srivastava came to ‘Mayanagari’ Mumbai from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He started his acting career with small roles in films like - Tezaab (1988), Maine Pyar Kiya (1989), and Baazigar (1993), to survive in the Maximum City until he bagged a show on Doordarshan.

In 1994, the comedian got his first big break with a Tea Time Manoranjan – a comic show - that aired on Doordarshan. The Great Indian Laughter Challenge (2005) came as a turning point in Raju’s professional life. However, Sunil Pal clinched the trophy, but our Gajodhar Bhaiya won the country's heart.

After the Great Indian Laughter Challenge Raju became a renowned and much-loved comedian in the country. His marvellous comic timing managed to tickle the funny bones of the audience every time he was on stage.

Raju Srivastava will remain in our hearts forever. Thank you Gajodhar Bhaiya, for making us laugh.