New Delhi
As comedian Raju Srivastava's condition remains critical and doctors have asked his family to pray for a miracle, his close friend and fellow comedian Ahsan Qureshi is reciting Hanuman Chalisa, a prayer in praise of Lord Hanuman, for his recovery.
This heart-touching gesture of Ahsan Qureshi, who is a Muslim, of reciting what is essentially a prayer read by the Hindus, symbolises friendship and the Indian tradition of inclusiveness that goes beyond the confines of religious boundaries.
Raju Srivastava is admitted to AIIMS, New Delhi and doctors are saying they are doing everything they can to save his life. His family is asking people not to speculate on his health on news and social media platforms since it causes their pain and nervousness.
“All his friends are praying for him and some time ago we were reciting Hanuman Chalisa.' Ahsan Qureshi said.
Meanwhile, Raju Srivastava's wife Shikha Srivastava has said that there are a lot of rumours and unfounded reports about Raju’s health floating around and these are baseless.
She expressed hope that he would be soon back on the stage and make people laugh.
Raju Srivastava's wife Shikha Srivastava told a leading online portal that 'His health is stable and the doctors are doing their work very diligently. He is a fighter. I have full faith in the doctors and hospital management. They are going to win this war. He will overcome these conditions and come back to entertain you all, that's my promise to you all. We are getting good wishes and blessings and many people are praying for him and also doing pooja for his health. I know everyone's prayers will not go in vain. I would just like to ask everyone to keep praying for them.”
According to a report, Ehsan Qureshi said, 'I met him last time near Oshiwara police station. He has his office in Mary Gold Building. Whenever he visited Lucknow, he used to drink coffee with friends. When Sunil Paul (Another national level comedian) and I met him, we talked to him about applying for subsidy for films.”
The story of their friendship and fame goes back to the Great Indian Laughter Challenge, a television comedy show. Standalone comedians coming together on one platform not only showed India a new genre of latent but also opened new avenues for livelihood.
Ahsan Qureshi says he was also a part of Laughter Challenge, where he become friends with Raju Srivastava. “Today all Raju's friends are reciting Hanuman Chalisa for him,” he said.
Standalone comedian Raju Srivastava is one of the best comedians in India. The comedian entertained the fans with his tickling jokes. His unique styles include mimicry and impersonation.
Raju Srivastava also entertained the fans with many jokes about Bollywood celebrities. His humour was classy and earthy and he didn’t resort to either toilet jokes or body shaming others.
One of Raju Srivastava's most famous stand-up comedy was about how Bollywood actors react when they visit local shops. He has featured in television show Laughter Challenge which was judged by Shekhar Suman and Navjot Singh Sidhu.
The comedian very warmly mocked the plight of Bollywood actors. To this day, that episode of Raju Srivastava is much loved. Bollywood stars used to laugh at the taunts hurled at them, as nothing was insulting about it. Raju has also done mimicry of thespian Amitabh Bachchan to Shah Rukh Khan in their presence.
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