Raj Baddhan to leave Sabras Radio after 14 years

Raj Baddhan has announced his departure from the popular Leicester based station, Sabras Radio.

Baddhan, who has been instrumental in Sabras Radio’s success over the past 14 years, will be stepping down from his role as Director and leaving his popular ‘Drivetime’ show later this month.

When he started his stint at Sabras Radio in 2005, Baddhan quickly took charge of overhauling the station’s sound, with a number of key presenter appointments, refreshing the on-air imaging, enhancing its digital output by extending the station’s reach on DAB, mobile, online and smart speaker.

Known for his lavish and successful events over the years, he created synergies with leading event promoters, as well as organising the biggest cultural events held by the station for Diwali, Vaisakhi, Navratri, Lohri, Teeyan Da Mela and the Leicester Mela. He also was behind the regularly sold-out annual Sabras Radio Birthday Bash events, inviting popular Bollywood and television actors from India.

Over the years, Baddhan launched unique properties on Sabras Radio such as Shaadi Week (wedding), Diwali Street Party, Leicester FC’s Premier League Win and charity events supporting leukaemia, mental health awareness, cancer and diabetes with the Silver Star Appeal.

On the celebrity front, Baddhan organised Sabras Radio’s Meet & Greet events with various celebrities and was the only UK media professional to attend international events such as Star Parivaar Awards, Star Screen Awards, Bigg Boss in Mumbai, plus the Cannes Film Festival with his Sabras Radio team.
As well as managing Sabras Radio, the multi award-winning radio presenter of ‘Drivetime’, created an exclusive slot connecting listeners with their favourite Indian/Pakistani television stars and popular Bollywood artists. Named, Best Radio Presenter at the Leicester Asian Glitz Awards for three years and nominated twice at the national Asian Media Awards, Baddhan is known for his quirky, casual and energetic style.

Talking about his exit, Baddhan said, “As much as I am sad to be leaving Sabras Radio, I will be forever grateful for the opportunities I’ve had in making it the successful award-winning brand it is. My success is down to my amazing past and present on-air team, sales staff and the technicians. Without them, I could not have executed my vision. I will dearly miss my listeners, who have regularly tuned into ’Drivetime’ since 2005. A special thanks to our advertisers, who have supported my initiatives over the years. And a final thanks to Don Kotak, the Managing Director, for trusting and believing in me – together we have made Sabras Radio among the biggest Asian stations in the UK. I wish Sabras Radio and everyone associated with the station, all the best for the exciting time ahead.”

Don Kotak, Managing Director of Sabras Radio said, “It is always a wrench for both parties when a long standing professional relationship comes to an end. Sabras is very proud of the fact that it has been instrumental in providing the platform for many an individual who have gone on to achieve marvellous success in the world of media and broadcasting. I am naturally disappointed that Raj will be leaving Sabras but that disappointment is more than countered by my elation that Raj is moving to a substantial global brand and taking up an important position. I am certain that Raj will achieve much greater things in the future and I take this opportunity of wishing him all the success he richly deserves. I would also like to put on record my grateful thanks to Raj for all he has done for Sabras. All the team at Sabras join me in thanking Raj. Like many others who have moved on to pastures new, I have no doubt that Raj will retain a unique “Sabras Family” connection with us as he progresses to greater heights.”

Baddhan will host his final ‘Drivetime’ show on Thursday 24th December.

A further announcement on Baddhan’s next move will be announced this week.