Mumbai: Deceased comedian-actor Raju Srivastava’s daughter Antara credited Tuesday megastar Amitabh Bachchan for playing an instrumental role in her father’s success. She expressed her gratitude towards the megastar for standing by their family in these tough times. The popular comedian, who was first noticed for his resemblance to Amitabh Bachchan, regarded the veteran actor as his childhood hero and idol.
Srivastava died last Wednesday at the Delhi-based All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) after 41 days in hospital. He was 58.
Antara shared an Instagram post on Srivastava’s official page. She thanked Bachchan for being a source of ‘strength and support’ to the family.
“Extremely grateful to Shri @amitabh bachchan uncle for being there for us every single day during this tough time. Your prayers gave us an abundance of strength and support, which we will remember forever… My mother Shikha, brother @aayushmaan. Srivastava, my entire family and I, @antarasrivastava, are eternally thankful to you. The love and admiration he receives globally is all because of you (sic),” Antara wrote alongside the pictures of her father with the screen legend.
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According to Antara, Srivastava had saved Bachchan’s number as ‘Guru ji’ in his contacts.
“You are my father’s idol, inspiration, love and Guru. Since the first time dad saw you (Bachchan) on the big screen, you have stayed within him forever. He not just followed you on-screen but off it also,” Antara further said.
During his hospitalisation, Bachchan had sent a voice note to Srivastava’s family to help them with the stand-up artiste’s treatment. “Him reacting on listening to your audio clip clearly shows what you meant to him,” added Antara in the post.
A day after Srivastava’s demise, Bachchan had posted a tribute on his personal blog. He remembered the comic for his ‘sense of timing and the colloquial humour’.
Srivastava was admitted August 10 to the AIIMS here following a heart attack while working out at a hotel gym in Delhi. He was cremated Thursday in the presence of family and close friends in Delhi.
Srivastava’s career spanned almost four decades in the comedy and film circuit. He featured in hit Hindi movies such as Maine Pyaar Kiya and Baazigar featuring Shah Rukh Khan, before gaining nationwide fame as a participant in the 2005 comedy competition show The Great Indian Laughter Challenge.
