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Raju Srivastava still in coma and critical, remains on ventilator: fans pray for recovery
NEW DELHI: Popular comedian-actor Raju Srivastava who collapsed while exercising on a treadmill, continues to be ”critical and on ventilator” in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the AIIMS here, hospital sources said on Friday.
The 58-year-old stand-up comic was rushed to the hospital after suffering a heart attack on Wednesday and later underwent angioplasty for blocked blood vessels.
”Srivastava continues to be critical and on ventilator in the ICU,” the source told PTI.
The comedian is being treated by Dr Nitish Naik, professor at the department of cardiology at the AIIMS.
The stand-up artist’s business manager said there has not been any improvement in his condition.
”He is not in a conscious state. There is not much improvement in his health. His brain is non-functional. Doctors are saying wait and watch. Pray for his speedy recovery,” Srivastav’s business manager, told PTI.
Apparently, his brain was affected or damaged due to the heart attack and subsequent stoppage of blood flow to the brain. He is presently in coma and on a heart-lung machine.
Experts opined it could take Srivastava weeks or even months for his brain to regenerate and get functional again – that too if the damage is not irreversible.
The comic had a heart attack while exercising at a hotel’s gym in the National Capital.
Srivastava, who has been active in 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 3.
Srivastava is the current chairman of the Film Development Council Uttar Pradesh.