Raju Srivastava Death HIGHLIGHTS: Comedian Cremated At Nigambodh Ghat In Delhi, Family And Close Friends Pay Last Respect
Comedian died in New Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). On August 10, Raju had a heart attack and was subsequently hospitalized to AIIMS.
Earlier today (Thursday), Raju Srivastava was cremated in Delhi. Ayushmaan, his son, conducted the Hindu cremation rites.
Nigambodh Ghat, on the banks of the Yamuna River, was the site of the cremation. Funeral arrangements for Raju Srivastava began at 9 a.m. when an ambulance decorated in white flowers transported his body to the location.
His family and a few close friends, such as Sunil Pal and Ahsaan Qureshi, were present for his cremation and last rituals. Veteran poet Surendra Sharma, Ashok Chakradhar and director Madhur Bhandarkar also paid their respects during the cremation.
At the Puri beach in Odisha, sand artist Sudarshan Patnaik pays homage to the late Raju Srivastava.
Posting the photo, Sudarshan wrote, “Hasate Hasate Rula Diya…. You will live in the hearts of Millions. Tribute to comedy king #rajusrivastava #OmShanti. My SandArt at Puri beach in Odisha.”
Raju Srivastav's mortal remains are being transported to the Nigambodh Ghat crematorium in Delhi for cremation.
Pradeep Khandelwal, brother-in-law of Raju Srivastava said “I have come from Lucknow. After 40 years old relationship, his sudden death is very disheartening. He used to meet everyone warmly.”
Amitesh Kumar Srivastava, brother-in-law of Raju Srivastava also mentioned his 14 years old relationship with Raju. He said, “Raju Srivastava is a legend and will remain a legend. We have memories, no matter what happens. Even after being a star, he was a man attached to the roots. Raju ji has no comparison. He used to look for comedy in the things of the house. Raju ji will always be missed.”
Preparations have started for Raju Srivastava's last rites. His journey for last rites will begin at around 8 Am. The relatives of Raju Srivastava they will be taken to Nigambodh Ghat, 35 km away from his brother's house where the body of Raju Srivastava is kept. His last rites are scheduled for 10 o'clock.
After completing all the formalities and paper work, Raju's dead body was handed over to his family, which is now being taken to his Delhi residence in Dwarka.
As informed by Raju's family members, the comedian's dead body will be taken to his Delhi residence in Dwarka. His home is located in the lane in front of Dashrathpuri metro station.
Raju Srivastava's last rites will take place in Delhi, tomorrow at 9:30am.
His neighbours in Kanpur are preparing for their departure to Delhi to attend Raju's funeral on Thursday at Nigambodh Ghat.
Filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar expressed his grief as he wrote, "Saddened to hear the tragic news of Raju Srivastav's untimely demise. He made us all laugh with his amazing comic timing for so many years we have lost a gem. My deepest condolences to his family members & admirers."
The Union Minister for Road Transport and Highway Authorities, Nitin Gadkari, took to his twitter handle to offer condolences on Raju Srivastava's death. He tweeted, "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"
Deeply saddened by the sad demise of Raju Srivastava, PM Narendra Modi tweeted a picture with the popular comedian and wrote, "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."
The entire nation is grieving the loss of one of the finest stand-up comedians, Raju Srivastava, who carved a niche for himself in the field when the term 'Stand-Up Comedy' was unknown to many.
Several politicians and celebrities took to their social media handles to mourn the demise of 'Gajodhar Bhaiya'.
Actor Rajpal Yadav tweeted, "I have no words to describe this loss. You have left us all too soon. You will be missed my brother. I just can’t believe this."
Background
New Delhi: The actor and comedian Raju Srivastava passed away on Wednesday at the age of 58. The comedian took his last breath at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi. Raju was admitted to AIIMS after going into cardiac arrest while jogging on the treadmill at a gym last month (August 10).
The comedian died at 10.20 am, after 41 days of hospitalisation.
He was immediately taken to AIIMS Delhi where he was undergoing treatment for over a month. The comedian best known for his stage character 'Gajodhar' passed away at the age of 58. His family confirmed the news of his death.
Over the past few days, the comedian's health had witnessed significant fluctuations. On 25th August there were reports of Raju gaining consciousness but his brother Dipoo Srivastava told ABP News that the family had no such information from the doctors. Dipoo had also said that the comedian has shown minor improvement and is recovering slowly.
Raju's wife Shikha had also given his health update to his fans and family from time to time and had asked everyone to pray for his recovery.
Born as Satya Prakash Srivastava, on December 25, 1963, he was an Indian comedian, politician, and actor. He is often called by the name- Gajodhar, owing to the popular act he put up.
Belonging to a middle-class family from Kanpur, he wanted to be a comedian since childhood and used to imitate his teachers back at school. His father, Ramesh Chandra Srivastava, known as Balai Kaka, was a poet from Kanpur.
Raju Srivastava had carved a niche for himself in the world of stand-up comedy with his well-timed jokes and comic takes on some very relevant situations in life. He rose to fame with the first-of-its-kind stand-up comedy talent hunt show 'The Great Indian Laughter Challenge', with its first season premiering in the year 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. He was the chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Film Development Council.
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