'You made the entire nation smile' - Cricket fraternity mourns death of comedy King Raju Srivastava

Raju Srivastava, a well-known stand-up comedian, breathed his last on Wednesday, at the age of 58. After experiencing massive chest pain and collapsing while working out at the gym on August 10, he was taken to AIIMS Delhi as a result. He was put on life support and moved immediately to the intensive care unit.

Despite the efforts of the medics, Srivastava was unconscious for more than 40 days, and even days after the heart attack, his health continued to deteriorate. He experienced brain damage as a result of the heart attack, according to doctors. On September 21, at 10:20 am, the hospital authorities declared him dead.

After hearing the news of his demise, the cricketing fraternity remembered him for his good deeds and mourned his death. Aakash Chopra, Suresh Raina, Shikhar Dhawan, Krunal Pandya, and Virender Sehwag, to name a few among others, paid their heartfelt condolences.

Raju Srivastava was one of the fondest comedians and ruled the domain during the late 2000s and early 2010s. He was one of those who brought stand-up comedy into the scenario in India. Many individuals grew up seeing him perform because he was the dose of laughter for those. This also includes many of the Indian cricketers, who were fond of the comedian and had been his fans.

Born as Satya Prakash Srivastava, he adapted ‘Raju’ as his stage name. Due to his well-known performances, he was also fondly known as Gajodhar Bhaiya. He made his stand-up comedy debut on a talent show named ‘The Great Indian Laughter Challenge’, and ended as the second runner-up in the competition.

He then participated in the spin-off ‘The Great Indian Laughter Challenge – Champions’ and bagged the title of The King of Comedy. Despite having worked in the entertainment business for the previous forty years, Srivastava didn't gain attention until he took part in The Great Indian Laughter Challenge in 2005. He appeared in a number of movies, including Maine Pyar Kiya and Aamdani Atthanni Kharcha Rupaiya.

Here's how the cricket fraternity reacted:

Saddened by the demise of Shri Raju Srivastava! He will be remembered for enthralling the audience with his unique style of observation & clean comedy. Om Shanti. pic.twitter.com/DELRoJkFCN

— Gautam Gambhir (@GautamGambhir) September 21, 2022

He was loved by everyone. I Will miss him #rajushrivastav

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) September 21, 2022

Thank you for making us laugh and brining a smile on our face. RIP #RajuSrivastava 🙏 Sending my condolences to his loved ones. pic.twitter.com/H90xXDL8Tz

— Krunal Pandya (@krunalpandya24) September 21, 2022

Extremely saddened to hear the demise of the legend of stand up comedy #RajuSrivastava You made the entire nation smile. Deepest Condolences to family & friends. Om Shanti 🙏

— Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) September 21, 2022

Saddened to hear the tragic news of Raju Srivastav’s demise. May God bless his soul. You will be in our hearts forever. My condolences to his family and admirers. Om Shanti pic.twitter.com/bbeBQaCug2

— Shikhar Dhawan (@SDhawan25) September 21, 2022

राजू जी, आप कभी भुलाये नहीं जाएँगे…जब भी हम हँसेंगे, आप याद आएँगे। ॐ शांति। #RajuSrivastav

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) September 21, 2022

Om Shanti, Raju Bhai. A genuine comedian who made people laugh with clean humour and sharp observation. Condolences to his family and fans. #RajuSrivastav pic.twitter.com/HUzaWfhwgi

— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) September 21, 2022

RIP #RajuSrivastava .. Legend in the field of Stand Up comedy.. My favorite of all time.. Om Shanti Gajodhar Bhaiya 😔🙏 pic.twitter.com/peu928iDFx

— Parvinder Awana (@ParvinderAwana) September 21, 2022