UP minister recalls Raju Srivastava's 'chhathe hue log' joke that left MLAs in splits

In his remembrance message, Asim Arun said he used to watch Srivastava's stage shows but only got to know him after he was posted as Police Commissioner of Kanpur.

Published on: Sep 23, 2022, 13:52:02 IST

By HT News Desk, New Delhi

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Comedian Raju Srivastava, who died earlier this week, once managed to tickle the funny bones of a few BJP legislators in Uttar Pradesh, minister Asim Arun recalled Thursday. Srivastava, 58, died Wednesday following weeks of hospitalisation at Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences.

Raju Srivastava during one of his performances at the Rajiv Gandhi awards ceremony in Mumbai in 2009 (HT Archives)

In his remembrance message, Asim Arun said he used to watch Srivastava's stage shows but only got to know him after he was posted as Police Commissioner of Kanpur.

The former IPS officer - who is now UP's social welfare minister - also shared an anecdote on social media - when Srivastava managed to make BJP legislators laugh.

"His last show, which I saw, was unique. He was invited to the meeting of the newly-formed BJP legislature party. As soon as he started his performance, he said... 'Mere saamne Uttar Pradesh ke chhathe hue log baithe hain', and everyone erupted with laughter."

"Today as he embarks on a new journey, he will always remain with us through his memories and videos," the minister and first-time MLA added.

A Hindi phrase - 'chhathe hue log' refers to mischievous people or rogues but Srivastava used it humorously - to the lawmakers' delight.

Also read | Amitabh Bachchan confirms he sent note for Raju Srivastava: He opened an eye...

The veteran comic was also known for mimicking politicians during live shows - even if they were in the audience at the time. Srivastava hailed from Kanpur and was also a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party.

He moved to Mumbai in the 1980s where he eventually made a name for himself in the world of comedy through stage shows, films and TV programmes. He was appointed chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Film Development Council in the Yogi Adityanath-led government.

(With agency inputs)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Raju Srivastava

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.