Tributes paid to much-loved Asian radio star Bob Bajwa

Tributes have been paid to a ‘warm and big-hearted’ radio presenter well-known around Slough.

Bob Bajwa was a celebrity on the Asian music circuit, working for Buzz Asia Radio and Hounslow-based Sunrise Radio, a well-known Asian radio station.

He passed away at the age of 46, causing hundreds of people to express their shock and condolences on social media.

They mourned the loss of a ‘true star of UK radio’ who ‘lived life on his own terms.’

Bob lived around the Cippenham Lane area and in his young days at Langley Grammar School, developed his passion for the music scene, working after school to promote and sell tickets for gigs around the borough.

Slough-based DJ, music producer, musician and activist Stephen Ambrose – known as Stevoss – remembers Bob from those teenage days and his ability to build ‘amazing networks’ and form long-lasting friendships.

Stevoss said he was struck ‘straightaway’ by Bob’s extroversion, confidence and popularity.

“Bob was warm and bubbly, always happy and smiling,” he said.

His profile as an entertainer continued to raise through his young adulthood and lived ‘very much in the limelight.’

“He could make everyone laugh and he didn’t care what other people thought of him,” Stevoss said.

There had been plans for the two to collaborate on Stevoss’ Love Music Hate Violence events, which work on reaching out to young people to encourage them to make better life choices.

“I thought he’d be a good host because of his morals and his ability to connect with an audience, and his values,” he said.

“Bob always had great values. I’ve never seen him fighting with anyone. If he saw something, he’d step in to diffuse it.”

The pair met up not long ago and were discussing the potential of Bob hosting one of the events, looking at dates he might be available.

“It’s so sad that it won’t happen now,” said Stevoss. “It’s just shocking, it’s a real shame. I just can’t believe it.”

Earlier this month, Sunrise Radio also paid tribute to Bob, saying: "Sunrise Radio is saddened to learn of the passing of popular radio presenter Bob B.

“Bob was a ray of sunshine with his infectious personality. We send our condolences to Bob’s family, friends and fans. Rest in peace.

“We will miss you.”

A childhood friend of Bob’s, Sadiq Chikte, described him as ‘a good family man who had a lot of love for a lot of people’.

“He was just fun to be around, the life of every party,” said Sadiq. “He was the centre of attention – he was more popular than the bride or groom at a wedding.”

Always the comedian, Bob liked to pull pranks on his family and friends.

In acknowledgement of his colourful personality, his funeral – held on February 26 – was also a colourful affair. A very large number of people attended – about 600 people, Sadiq estimates.