2020 has been a grief-stricken year for people world over as a result of the coronavirus pandemic . Several personalities succumbed to their deaths this year, either due to COVID-19 or because of other ailment-related issues. Now, in a heartbreaking development, popular comedian-actor Rajeev Nigam, known among fans for featuring in The Great Indian Laughter Challenge 2, shared the sad news of his son Devraj's death this past weekend (November 8). Devraj had passed away on Rajeev's birthday, the comedian announced on his unverified Facebook profile. 

Sharing a throwback picture of himself with his son Devraj, an emotional Rajeev Nigam wrote, "What a surprise birthday gift... Mera beta Devraj aaj mujhe chhod ke chala gaya... Bina birthday cake kaate... Pagle aisa gift koi deta hai (My son Devraj has left me today... Without even cutting my birthday cake.... Would anyone give a gift like this)?" Fans and followers soon after offered their condolences and paid their tributes to the comedian’s son in the comments section of his Facebook post. 

What a surprise birthday gift... mera beta devraj aaj mujhe chod ke chala gaya.. bina birthday cake kaate... pagle aisa gift koi deta hai....

Posted by Rajeev Nigam on Sunday, November 8, 2020

Around three years back, Rajeev Nigam informed fans and followers via a Facebook post that his son was in a critical condition and had to be put on a ventilator. He had also requested fans and his well-wishers to pray for his son's speedy recovery. As a result of his son's deteriorating health, Rajeev had reportedly gone back to Kanpur, his hometown, in order to provide better care. The year has not been kind to the ace comedian, who also lost his father in August. 

Mera beta kal se bahut critical hai ..ventilator pe hai..aap sab log uske liye pray karein....ki wo jaldi swasth ho jaaye...

Posted by Rajeev Nigam on Thursday, May 10, 2018

The reality comedy show The Great Indian Laughter Challenge's second season introduced Rajeev Nigam and made him a national star on the Indian comedy circuit. He also went on to make appearances in several episodes of the show, Comedy Circus, while featuring in the sitcom Har Shaakh Pe Ullu Baithaa Hai, which announced his arrival as an actor. Rajeev also starred alongside his wife Anuradha Nigam in the TV series Maa Exchange in 2011.