Raju Srivastava was known for movies like Tezaab, Baazigar and Great Indian Laughter Challenge.
The veteran comedian was admitted to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on August 10. He experienced acute chest pain after collapsing while he was working out at a gym. The gym trainer rushed him to a hospital where he was immediately given CPR. He underwent an angioplasty the same day.
Due to his deteriorating condition, he was put on a ventilator but regained consciousness on September 1. He breathed his last today, September 21.
Raju Srivastava's family members - his wife Shikha, son Ayushman and daughter Antara reached Delhi and he will be cremated in Delhi itself on September 22 at 9.30 am. Earlier, they were contemplating taking Raju to Mumbai or Kanpur.
Raju's brother-in-law confirmed that the funeral will be held in Delhi and told India Today: "In the morning, his BP dropped and then he was given CPR. At first, he responded to it but later collapsed. The ventilator was supposed to be removed in 2-3 days. Medicine doses had also been decreased. The funeral will be held in Delhi."
Srivastava had acted in several movies like Tezaab, Baazigar, Aamdani Atthanni Kharcha Rupaiya, and Maine Pyaar Kiya. He was also popular for his standup comedy during award shows and on TV in shows like The Great Indian Laughter Challenge where he was the runner-up in 2005. His imaginary characters Gajodhar and Manohar were loved by one and all.
As the news of his demise spread on social media, Srivastava received lots of tributes and respect from his peers and colleagues.
The Indian cricket fraternity also paid their tribute to Raju Srivastava on Twitter and here are some of the tweets.