Sep 21, 2022
By: soniya.tiwari@timesinternet.in
Credit: Twitter/Raju Srivastava
Famous comedian Raju Srivastava is no more. He passed away on 21st September, 2022 after being admitted in ICU at AIIMS Delhi for 41 days.
Credit: Twitter/Raju Srivastava
He was born in 1963 in Kanpur. His father Ramesh Chandra Srivastava was a poet. Raju loved to mimic film stars and used to eagerly await his turn to perform at school functions.
Credit: Twitter/Raju Srivastava
Raju came to Mumbai in the 80s to fulfill his dreams. He also drove a taxi as he ran out of money. The comedian landed small roles in Tezaab (1988), Maine Pyar Kiya (1989) and Baazigar (1993).
Credit: Twitter/Raju Srivastava
In 1994, Raju bagged a comedy show - ‘Tea Time Manoranjan’ that aired on Doordarshan which kickstarted his TV career. After that, he was also featured as Dhurandhar Singh in the famous kids show of the 90s ‘Shaktimaan’.
Credit: Twitter/Raju Srivastava
Raju Srivastava’s career catapulted after his act took off in the show ‘The Great Indian Laughter Challenge’. He participated as a contestant in the first season and became the second runner-up of the show.
Credit: Twitter/Raju Srivastava
Raju’s comedy video clips were widely shared and some of them even turned viral. His famous character ‘Gajodhar bhaiyya’ found many fans across India.
Credit: Twitter/Raju Srivastava
In 2008, Raju got his solo show ‘Raju Hazir Ho' on Imagine TV. He also appeared on Bigg Boss 3 in 2009. The comedian participated in the couple dance show ‘Nach Baliye’ with his wife Shikha Srivastava.
Credit: Twitter/Raju Srivastava
Raju was also a part of Comedy Nights with Kapil, The Kapil Sharma Show and Mazaak Mazaak Mein. He even hosted Gangs of Haseepur on Zee TV in 2014. His last television appearance happens to be ‘India's Laughter Champion.’
Credit: Twitter/Raju Srivastava