Crediting Amitabh Bachchan for playing an instrumental role in her father's success, Antara, daughter of the late comedian Raju Srivastava, on Tuesday expressed her gratitude towards the Bollywood star for standing by their family during tough times.

The popular comedian, who was first noticed for his resemblance to Bachchan, regarded the veteran actor as his childhood hero and idol. He later became popular for his observational stand-up sketches in and around his hometown.

The 58-year-old comedian, one of the most well-known names in the comedy and film circles, died last Wednesday at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) after 41 days in hospital. He was admitted to AIIMS following a heart attack while working out at a Delhi hotel gym on August 10.

The comic, whose career spanned almost four decades, played nameless bit parts in hit Hindi films such as Maine Pyaar Kiya and Baazigar before gaining nationwide fame as a participant in the 2005 reality comedy competition show The Great Indian Laughter Challeng