After Indian standup comedian Raju Srivastava was admitted to hospital following a heart attack on August 10, 2022, messages of grief were shared in social media posts that claimed the star had died. The claims are false. Srivastava's business manager told AFP on August 18 that the comedian is alive and his condition is improving.

The claim was shared on Facebook here on August 13, 2022.

"The one who made us all laugh left the world laughing. May his soul rest in peace. Om Shanti", reads the Hindi-language post next to a picture of Raju Srivastava.

"Om Shanti" is an expression formed from the sacred, spiritual symbol "Om" and the Hindi word for "peace".

The expression is also superimposed over Srivastava's picture.

It circulated after local media reported that Srivastava was rushed to Delhi's All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) after he reportedly suffered a heart attack while working out at a gym.

The claim received thousands of interactions and hundreds of shares on Facebook, where it was also shared here and here. The claim was also shared on Twitter here and here.

Several users commented with expressions of grief.

"Very sad news, May God grant peace to his soul," wrote one user.

"Oh Very Sad RIP," wrote another.

The claim, however, is false.

Alive and recovering

Srivastava’s business manager Nayan Soni told AFP on August 18 that the 58-year-old’s condition was "stable" and he was recovering.

"He is improving," Soni said. "The speed is slow and the doctor...

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