Raju Srivastava: The comedian from Kanpur who became the King of Comedy

Sep 21, 2022

By: Soniya Tiwari

Raju Srivastava no more

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

Early Childhood

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

Several dreams in the eyes

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

First Big Break

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

Turning Point

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

Not looking back

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

Reality shows

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

Mimicry Artiste

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

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