Popular comedian Raju Srivastava continues to be on a ventilator in the intensive care unit of AIIMS and his condition has not improved, hospital sources said on Friday.
The 58-year-old stand-up comic was admitted to the hospital following a heart attack on Wednesday and underwent an angioplasty the same day.
“Srivastava continues to be critical and on ventilator. His condition has not improved. He has not regained consciousness since he was admitted to the hospital,” the PTI report said.
On Friday night, Srivastava’s family released a statement on his official Instagram page, saying the comedian’s condition is “stable”.
“Raju Srivastava ji’s condition is stable. We are praying for his speedy recovery. The doctors are treating him and are doing their best. Thanks to all the well wishers for continued love and support,” the family said in the statement.
It is learnt that the comedian is being treated by Dr Nitish Naik, professor at the department of cardiology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).
On Wednesday, Raju Srivastava was exercising on the treadmill at the Cult gym in Delhi`s South Extension when he suffered a heart attack.
According to family sources, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Friday, telephoned Raju Srivastava`s wife Shikha to enquire about his health and offered support, reported IANS.
Besides, Prime Minister Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath have spoken to the family of Raju Srivastava to enquire about his condition.
Meanwhile, the family also requested people to “ignore any rumour/fake news being circulated”.
Srivastava, an active part of the entertainment industry since late 1980s, received recognition after participating in the first season of stand-up comedy show “The Great Indian Laughter Challenge” in 2005.
He has featured in Hindi films such as “Maine Pyar Kiya”, “Baazigar”, “Bombay to Goa” (remake) and “Aamdani Atthani Kharcha Rupaiya”. He was one of the contestants on “Bigg Boss” season three.
Srivastava is also the chairman of the Film Development Council Uttar Pradesh.
With inputs from PTI and IANS
