She was the first Punjabi female singer to sing on Indian public service broadcaster, Doordarshan.

In one of her initial performances, she impressed the audience in a function organised by the Punjab Association in Mumbai and received a standing ovation from Bollywood stars such as Prem Chopra, Pran, and Raj Kapoor.

Kapoor famously requested boli, main jatti Punjab di, meri Nargis wargi akh.

She was also the first Punjabi female singer to sing on Indian public service broadcaster Doordarshan.

[5] Pammi Bai credited her for popularising the alghoza, dhol, chimta and various Punjabi folk instruments.

[5] In January 2022, Bawa was posthumously awarded the Padma Bhushan "for her distinguished contribution in the field of art".