Raju Srivastava's wife says comedian 'fought very hard', family to perform actor's last rites in Delhi

The comedian-actor Raju Srivastava, who captivated the hearts of millions with his sense of humour and humble nature, passed away on Wednesday after spending over 40 days on a ventilator at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. He was 58.

Raju Srivastava was rushed to a hospital in New Delhi on August 10 after he suffered a heart attack while working out in a gym. The 58-year-old artiste is survived by his wife and two children.

Ever since the comedian was admitted to AIIMS, his fans, supporters, friends and admirers across the world stayed glued to their screens for any health update on Srivastava in order to find relief.


But it was the actor's family that endured the most hardship. The 58-year-old's wife, Shikha Srivastava, grieving and in a very emotionally vulnerable state, called the comedian a "true fighter".

The comedian's wife also revealed that Srivastava fought very hard to recover, while the family hoped and prayed for him to come out of this strong.

"I am not able to talk right now. What can I share or say now? He fought very hard, I was really hoping and praying to see him come out of this. But, that has not happened. All I can say is that he was a true fighter," Shikha told Times of India.

Ever since Srivastava was rushed to the hospital, his family members and friends had been visiting him frequently for the last 40-42 days.

Fellow comedian, Kapil Sharma, who appeared on a couple of comedy shows next to Srivastava, paid an emotional tribute to the late star.

"Today is the first time you have made me cry, Raju bhai. I wish we could have met one more time. May God give you a place in his feet. You will be missed a lot. Goodbye. Om Shanti

Srivastav was in the entertainment industry since the 1980s and shot to fame after participating in the first season of the reality stand-up comedy show 'The Great Indian Laughter Challenge' in 2005.

The well-known actor, comedian, TV host and dancer Jaaved Jaaferi also spoke about late 'King of Comedy'.

"I knew Raju because when he started off his career, he was doing small stage shows. At that point I was impressed. He was a simple guy, but his humour was very earthy, very Indian rooted, coming from a small town, but catering to a very wider Indian sensibility. Not only on shows, but wherever he stood among the people, he used to make them laugh," Jaaferi said, as quoted by ANI.

He also tweeted.

The funeral of comedian will be held on Thursday and the last rites will take place at Nigam Bodh Ghat in New Delhi.