I remember watching Raju Srivastav in Maine Pyar Kiya playing the role of Shambhu alongside Dilip Joshi. Post that he did different films, most of them comedies. Today the actor is no more with us. Raju’s family confirmed the news. The actor had suffered cardiac arrest in August while working out in the gym. Since then he was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi where he spent 41 days.
On August 10, it was reported that Raju suffered a cardiac arrest when he was running on the treadmill. As he complained of uneasiness, his trainer immediately took him to the hospital. There he was given cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) twice and revived. He was unconscious since then and had been put on ventilator support. These days, the comedian was showing little signs of recovery. Few reports emerged in the media that he was made to listen to the voice of Amitabh Bachchan through a tape recorder.
In August, Raju’s brother-in-law Ashish Srivastava had confirmed the news of a heart attack. He informed the media that the actor was supposed to meet some leaders of the state. Some time ago, fellow comedian Sunil Pal had confirmed that Raju was brain dead. Another comedian Ehsaan Qureshi had informed that doctors have given up hope and only a miracle could save him.
Raju had been one of the most successful comedians of the country. He became famous when he took part in The Great Indian Laughter Challenge in 2005. His character Gajodhar is one of the most remembered character till date.
His other notable films were Baazigar, Aamdani Atthanni Kharcha Rupaiya. He had also appeared in Bigg Boss Season 3. The actor was the Chairman of the Film Development Council of Uttar Pradesh.
Our prayers are with Raju’s family. May his soul rest in peace!