Legendary Indian comedian Raju Srivastava, 58, died on Wednesday in Delhi. His death was confirmed by his family. The comedian died at 10.20 a.m., after 41 days in the hospital. Raju was admitted to AIIMS Delhi on August 10 after collapsing while working out at a gym.
Raju was on a ventilator for more than a month after being admitted to the hospital following a heart attack. His brother Dipoo Srivastava recently stated that the comedian was slowly recovering but was unconscious.
“The recovery is slow. He will be fine soon. He is stable and on a ventilator. He is still unconscious. It’s been 35 days but doctors are saying they are doing their best. We need all your prayers,” Dipoo had told PTI.
Raju was in the entertainment industry since the 1980s and rose to prominence in 2005 after appearing on the first season of the reality stand-up comedy show The Great Indian Laughter Challenge.
He has also appeared in Hindi films such as Maine Pyar Kiya, Baazigar, the remake of Bombay to Goa, and Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiya in supporting roles. He was the chairman of the Film Development Council Uttar Pradesh before his death.