A former Dragons' Den star has passed away aged 55. Entrepreneur Shaf Rasul is believed to have died at his residence after becoming suddenly unwell. He had featured on the BBC online version of Dragons' Den following its 2009 debut. His relatives issued a poignant statement after his death, which stated: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Shafqat Rasul. A devoted father to Sohaib and Sarah Rasul, a loving husband to Nabila Rasul, a cherished son of the late Haji Ghulam Rasul and Parveen Akhtar, and a dear brother to Zahid, Shahid, Ashfaq, Ml Abid and Juwariah."
A message from his family added: "We humbly request your duas for the deceased and strength and patience for the family during this difficult time." Shaf appeared in Dragons' Den: Online. The dedicated web-based edition of the programme maintained the identical structure as the primary show, reports the Mirror.
It was hosted by Dominic Byrne and showcased Shaf Rasul and Julie Meyer as the Dragons. The weekly instalments featuring the entrepreneur broadcast from 16 September 2009 to 7 October 2009.
He launched his commercial ventures in the early 1990s and subsequently became a self-made multi-millionaire following the creation of E-Net Computers.
Twelve months prior to his Dragons' Den appearance, Shaf secured a position amongst the top 20 in the UK Asian Rich List. Among those honouring the businessman following his passing was Chris Gilmour.
The co-founder of PR agency Tigerbond, told the Sun: "Shaf was a client for nearly 25 years and didn't change a bit. He was always full of the same boundless enthusiasm for life and business. "There are so many people out there whose lives were touched by his kindness and he was always happy to dispense advice to budding entrepreneurs."
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He continued: "I still remember one of the first times I met him and he welcomed a colleague and me into his office – and introduced us to a tank of piranhas!"
Others took to social media to share their own tributes. A former schoolmate wrote: "I'm shocked to hear this. I was at school with Shaf, such a smart, funny guy."
Another internet user commented: "Our friend Shaf has moved on to what I hope is a better place. I shall never forget your infectious and beautiful approach to life.
"Your positivity, your embrace, your massive smile and your warm handshake. You always asked 'of other people' – never concerned about yourself.
"Now we are thinking of you and your astonishing achievements. Most of all, we are thinking of how you made us all feel – and that will be what I will always remember."
