THEY say that behind every successful man is a strong woman. And this is true for Urmila Damodar, the woman behind the success of Damodar Brothers (Films) Ltd.
Mrs Damodar is the wife of Dayanand Damodar and mother of Div Damodar. Their family business, Damodar Brothers (Films) Ltd, is a locally-born and bred Fijian company which was established way back in the 1930s. Mrs Damodar’s father-in-law, Damodar and her husband started with a textile import and export business in Rakiraki before moving the business to the Capital City.
It was in Suva that the film business began and since 1962, the family name is now renowned in the business. Through the years they have gained success and today, they have the Damodar Village 6 Cinemas in Suva City and the Village 4 Cinemas in Lautoka. They recently also celebrated the second anniversary of the multi-million-dollar Damodar City Centre Complex in Raiwai.
Mrs Damodar, 70, shows no signs of slowing down as she continues to do what she can to help the family business succeed.
While she is modest in the role she plays in the success of Damodar Brothers (Films) Ltd, Mrs Damodar says that whenever she can, if they need her advice and help, she always makes time.
“I stay at home, I am a housewife but sometimes I help when they need me.
“My husband is a very aggressive businessman and I always support him.”
She first came to Fiji 52 years ago in 1963 from Gujurat in India. Leaving her family and friends behind, she travelled to a foreign Pacific Island country to get married and start her own family.
“My family, my brothers and sisters, my parents were all back in India. Only my uncle and aunty were in Fiji,” she said.
“Coming to Fiji was good, it was a good start.
“It (Fiji) was totally different from India. I came to Suva and it was totally different, it was a small town. I loved Fiji, everything was nice.”
In spite of her family’s success in business, Mrs Damodar remains grounded and continues to be thankful for the blessings that have come her way. And, she makes sure that she continues to give back to the less fortunate, involving herself in numerous charity causes.
“I like gardening, I have a big garden at home and sometimes I pick flowers. I also love travelling and I take part in charity work.
“My three-year-old granddaughter is at home so I like looking after her too.”
