'Mimicking Amitabh Bachchan gave me recognition'

Mumbai, Feb 24 (IANS) Comedian Raju Srivastav here Wednesday revealed that his ability to mimic megastar Amitabh Bachchan gave him his initial recognition.

'When I came to Mumbai, most people used to entertain the audience imitating Dev Anand, Raj Kumar and Shatrughan Sinha. No one used to do any mimicry of Amitabh Bachchan. After me Sudesh Bhonsle started doing it. It was almost at the same time. But he could only speak in that voice but I could speak, dance, cry and laugh, all in Bachchan style. This helped me gain initial recognition here,' Raju Srivastav told reporters at a conference organised by 92.7 Big FM, for whom he has donned the role of an RJ.

Raju's big break came with the talent show 'The Great Indian Laughter Challenge'.

He, however, admits radio is a different ball game altogether.

'In radio, the content is very important and it is complemented by the presentation. I will have to doubly underline the punch line of every joke I deliver,' he said.

Raju Srivastav will be joining Vrajesh Hirjee on the breakfast show '92.7 FM ki laughter local' from next Monday.

He will be presenting his humorous take on day-to-day life issues and had already got some ideas for Holi and the upcoming Union budget.

Asked if he would go with a prepared script or crack jokes spontaneously, he said: 'Both. We will prepare a structure for every day but there will be a lot of spontaneity in the programme. I have worked with Vrajesh before and we gel very well.'

Raju Srivastav is also doing 'Sone Ki Barish' which is a campaign where listeners of Big FM get to win gold coins each hour of the day.

This is not Raju Srivastav's first stint with radio. He revealed that during his struggling days he worked for a short while in All India Radio.