Lost a gem: Condolences pour in for Raju Srivastava

Mumbai, Sep 21: Condolences have poured in for Raju Srivastava after the popular comedian passed away at the age of 58 after over 40 days of hospitalisation in Delhi.

The comedian suffered a heart attack on August 10 while working out at a hotel in Mumbai. He was rushed to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and underwent angioplasty. Since then, he was on the ventilator and never gained consciousness. Raju Srivastava was declared dead at 10.20 am.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condolences on the demise of Raju Srivastava saying he will continue to live in hearts of countless people through his rich work.

"Raju Srivastava brightened our lives with laughter, humour and positivity. He leaves us too soon but he'll continue to live in hearts of countless people thanks to his rich work over the years. His demise is saddening. Condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti," tweeted PM Modi.

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. pic.twitter.com/U9UjGcfeBK

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 21, 2022

Union Home Minister Amit Shah condolences on the demise of the comedian, saying it is a "great loss" to the art world.

"Renowned comedian Raju Srivastava ji had a unique style, he impressed everyone with his amazing talent. His death is a great loss to the art world. I express my condolences to his family and fans. May God give them the strength to bear this grief," he tweeted in Hindi.

सुप्रसिद्ध हास्य कलाकार राजू श्रीवास्तव जी का एक विशिष्ट अंदाज था, उन्होंने अपनी अद्भुत प्रतिभा से सभी को प्रभावित किया। उनका निधन कला जगत के लिए एक बड़ी क्षति है। मैं उनके परिजनों व प्रशंसकों के प्रति संवेदना व्यक्त करता हूँ। ईश्वर उन्हें यह दुःख सहने की शक्ति दें। ॐ शांति शांति

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) September 21, 2022

"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," Union minister Nitin Gadkari said.

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

— Nitin Gadkari (@nitin_gadkari) September 21, 2022

BJP national president JP Nadda also expressed sorrow over the demise of the comedian and said that he left a "different mark" in the world of comedy.

"I am speechless to hear the news of the demise of well-known comedian Shri Raju Shrivastava ji. Raju Srivastava ji left a different mark in the world of comedy. My condolences to his family and fans in this hour of mourning. May God bless the virtuous soul at his feet," Nadda said.

सुप्रसिद्ध हास्य कलाकार श्री राजू श्रीवास्तव जी के निधन का समाचार सुनकर नि:शब्द हूँ। राजू श्रीवास्तव जी ने हास्य कला की दुनिया में अपनी एक अलग छाप छोड़ी।शोक की इस घड़ी में मेरी संवेदनाएँ उनके परिजनों एवं प्रशंसको के साथ है।ईश्वर पुण्यात्मा को अपने श्रीचरणों में स्थान प्रदान करें।

— Jagat Prakash Nadda (@JPNadda) September 21, 2022

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was among the first to pay his condolences. "I am deeply saddened by the passing away of renowned comedian, Raju Srivastava ji. Apart from being an accomplished artist, he was also a very lively person. He was also very active in the social field. I extend my condolences to his bereaved family and fans. Shanti!," Singh tweeted.

सुप्रसिद्ध हास्य कलाकार, राजू श्रीवास्तव जी के निधन से मुझे गहरा दुःख हुआ है। वे एक मंझे हुए कलाकार होने के साथ-साथ एक बेहद ज़िंदादिल इंसान भी थे। सामाजिक क्षेत्र में भी वे काफ़ी सक्रिय रहते थे। उनके शोकाकुल परिवार एवं प्रशंसकों के प्रति मैं अपनी संवेदना व्यक्त करता हूँ।ॐ शान्ति!

— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) September 21, 2022

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended his condolences to Srivastava's family and said, "Raju Srivastava is no more with us. I, on behalf of the people of Uttar Pradesh, pray that his soul rests in peace."