Indian comedian Raju Srivastava's death: Modi, Bollywood stars pay tribute

The death of Raju Srivastav has been making headlines in the Indian entertainment industry today. The 58-year-old died on Wednesday after suffering a heart attack while working out at a gym on August 10.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to express his sadness over his death and to convey his condolences to his family and loved ones. Sharing a photo of himself and with the comedian he 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."

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath said he was saddened by the demise of the comedian. He said, "Raju Srivastav is no more with us. I, on behalf of the people of UP, pray that his soul rests in peace. I extend my condolences to his family." The actor-comedian served as the brand ambassador of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Swachh Bharat campaign and was the Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Film Development Council. In that capacity, he laid the foundation for the upcoming NOIDA film city project.

Jovial, vibrant, and full of life – Bollywood and television fraternity outpoured its love for Srivastav. Karan Kundrra dropped a throwback picture of the late comedian On his Instagram stories and wrote, ‘Om Shanti’ along with a broken heart emoji.

Bollywood veteran Amitabh Bachchan shared a voice note with Srivastava while the latter was hospitalized. Raju loved Amitabh Bachchan and had openly accepted in the past how he used to mimic Big B even in his childhood days. “I became a fan of mimicry and comedy when I saw Amitabh Bachchan’s Deewar. I became his fan to the extent that I used to get his posters and put at my house. I doted his hairstyle and started imitating him. People used to address me as Big B," Raju had said during an interview.

Star actor Ajay Devgn thanked Raju Srivastav for making people laugh throughout his lifetime. "In your lifetime you gifted us laughs & more laughs, on & off the screen. Your untimely demise makes me very sad. RIP Raju. Shanti.May the Almighty give your family strength in this hour of bereavement," he tweeted.

Director 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."

Calling Raju Srivastav "Laughter King", Raveena Tandon tweeted, "You will be missed."

Madhuri Dixit shared her tribute for the comedian and gave gratitude for “making us laugh”.

Anil Kapoor recalled sharing screen space with the late actor in his instgram stories and wrote: “Om Shanti.” Srivastava landed a small role in the Bollywood movie 'Tezaab' in 1988.

Comedian Bharti Singh said that she is "extremely shocked." "Shocked & Broken with the news of our favourite #RajuSrivastav Ji. My heartfelt condolences to his family. #riprajusrivastav," she wrote.