Comedian-actor Raju Srivastava, who was admitted at Delhi’s All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on August 10 following a heart attack, died on September 21. During his hospitalisation, Bollywood star Amitabh Bachchan had sent a special voice note to the comedian.
Raju Srivastava’s family took to social media on Tuesday to express their gratitude towards Big B for standing by their family in difficult times.
Sharing a throwback picture of Raju with Amitabh Bachchan, Raju’s daughter Antara wrote, ‘Extremely grateful to Shri @amitabhbachchan uncle for being there for us every single day during this tough time. Your prayers gave us an abundance of strength and support, which we will remember forever. You are my father’s idol, inspiration, love and Guru. Since the first time dad saw you on the big screen, you have stayed within him forever. He not just followed you on-screen but off it also. He had saved your number as ‘Guru ji’ in his contacts. You were residing in him.’
She added, ‘Him reacting on listening to your audio clip clearly shows what you meant to him. My mother Shikha, brother @aayushmaan.srivastava , my entire family and I, @antarasrivastava , are eternally thankful to you. The love and admiration he receives globally is all because of you.’
As per reports, Amitabh in a voice note to Raju said, ‘It's enough Raju. Rise up Raju, and keep teaching us all to laugh.’
The nation bid a tearful adieu to Raju Srivastava on September 22. A prayer meet was held for him in Mumbai on September 25, which was attended by many celebrities.
Raju Srivastava was a part of the entertainment industry since late 1980s. He gained recognition after participating in the first season of stand-up comedy show 'The Great Indian Laughter Challenge' in 2005.
He also featured in Hindi films such as 'Maine Pyar Kiya', 'Baazigar', 'Bombay to Goa' (remake) and 'Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiya'. He was one of the contestants in the third season of 'Bigg Boss'.
Raju Srivastava was also the current chairman of the Film Development Council Uttar Pradesh.
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