Thanks thefdlord
I think I am almost there. So I originally followed this guide to remove grub and reset root: http://www.unixarena.com/2016/04/reset-grub-root-password-vcsa-6-0.html
After this i was able to change that /etc/passwd root:x:0:0:root:/root:/bin/bash as you suggested. Now when I log in via the console (alt f1) I enter root and password and it logs in fine but it doesnt look correct.
I expect to see Last Login/ connected to service/ List APs/Lanuch bash shell etc
But all I see is Last Login and the the command prompt. If i type shell i get -bash: command not found
