Renowned comedian-actor Raju Srivastava’s last rites were performed at Nigambodh Ghat in New Delhi. He died at AIIMS on September 21 where he was admitted after suffering a heart attack on August 10.
The mortal remains of Raju Srivastava were taken in an ambulance decorated with white flowers from his residence in Dwarka with fans following the van.
Raju Srivastava's wife, Shikha, was seen arriving at the crematorium for the final rites. Comedians Ahsaan Qureshi, Sunil Pal and Jaiveer Singh, Minister of Tourism & Culture in the Government of Uttar Pradesh, were also present to pay their last respects.
Ahead of the cremation, Sunil told news agency ANI, ‘Raju Srivastava was today’s Charlie Chaplin. He was a very hardworking person and used to perform on stage for 2-3 hours continuously. The audience loved to see him perform on stage and he also loved his work. For his entire life, he has already made everyone laugh. If people consider us star performers, the Raju Srivastava was the entire sky. He was our teacher but never made us feel that. Raju ji was very down-to-earth and a great person. He will always be remembered.’
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 appeared in Hindi films such as 'Maine Pyar Kiya', 'Baazigar', 'Bombay to Goa' (remake) and 'Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiya'. He was one of the contestants on 'Bigg Boss' season three.
Raju Srivastava was also the current chairman of the Film Development Council Uttar Pradesh.
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