Actor-comedian Raju Shrivastava has been hospitalized for almost a week now, after suffering from a heart attack. Currently undergoing treatment at Delhi’s AIIMS, reports state that his brain has not been functioning normally. He has been kept under observation by doctors.

However, saving grace is that the comedian's health is showing marginal improvement. This has given a ray of hope to his fans and well-wishers.

Meanwhile, veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan, who has in the past shared stage with Raju Shrivastava on many occasions, sent the latter a touching message to wish him a speedy recovery.

Though the voice note sent by Big B to Raju has not been made public by the latter's family, the audio clip was played for the comedian after consulting doctors. As per reports, Amitabh Bachchan can be heard saying in the audio clip, “It's enough Raju. Rise up Raju, and keep teaching us all to laugh.”

Often credited as Gajodhar, Raju Shrivastav (58) ventured into stand-up comedy with the talent show The Great Indian Laughter Challenge and finished as second runner-up, subsequently taking part in the spin-off, The Great Indian Laughter Challenge - Champions, in which he won the title of "The King of Comedy".

Srivastav also participated in Bigg Boss (Hindi season 3), the Indian counterpart of the Big Brother (franchise). After staying in the house for more than two months he was voted out on 4 December 2009. He later participated in the comedy show Comedy Ka Maha Muqabala.