Raju Srivastava was a great comedian, a great human being and a beautiful soul, says close friend Sidharth Sagar

Although he never got the chance to work with comedian Raju Srivastava, actor and stand up comedian Sidharth Sagar and the former shared a deep bond. Sagar says that Srivastav has always been a very important part of his life.

The comedian was hospitalised at AIIMS Delhi on August 10 after experiencing chest pain and collapsing while working out at the gym. Tragically, Srivastava passed away Wednesday morning.

“I didn’t get a chance to work with Mr. Raju Srivastava , however, I started my career by watching him on The Great Indian Laughter Challenge, I was eight years old when I used to perform on stage for live shows and used to mimic The Great Raju Srivastava. When I got the chance to come on TV, at the age of 10, on Doordarshan, I performed all Raju Bhai’s content and from there I got more shows. Then I met him in Mumbai at some event and I told him that I have performed all his items on stage all my childhood and Raju bhai said – ‘Arre, tum bahut acha kaam kar rahe ho Sidharth’,” says Sidharth.

He adds, “Then after I kept meeting him at events and shows. In fact, Raju Bhai was the only artist who ever called me up after a tough phase in my life and asked me, ‘How’s everything Sidharth? Do you need anything? I am your elder brother, if you ever need help or you are in any trouble, let me know, I’m always a call away.’ His words gave me strength and his concern helped me a lot. I have huge respect and love for Raju Bhai. He was a great comedian, a great human being and a beautiful soul. May his soul Rest In Peace