Dharmesh Lakani was born in Jinja, Uganda the youngest son of Mr and Mrs Bhagwanji Lakhani. In 1972 they moved to the United Kingdom following of the expulsion of the Ugandan Asians. They arrived in Leicester and settled in Rushey Mead. He studied at Abbey Primary School, Herrick Junior School, Soar Valley College And Gateway Collage. He specialised in chemistry and mathematics.
Dhamersh took over running of the family business "Bobby's " 25years ago. The restaurant was called after the popular Bollywood movie "Bobby". It is regarded as one of the jewels of the famous Belgrave Road itself part of Leicester's Golden Mile. In 1992 in the same year he got married to Enna Radia. They have two sons Arjun who is studying Medicine at Oxford University and Karran who is doing his A levels at Loughborough Grammar School.
He is a past Chairman and current member of the Belgarve Business Association and a member of the Belgrave Regeneration Committee.
1) What do like most about the place where you live? Where do you chill?
It's home! We have a fantastic diverse community who live in harmony. We all still maintain our own identifies however we are a perfect blend of religions, races and cultures. I relax best in my mother-in-law's in Syston.
2) What are your proudest achievements?
Our business is over 40 years old and I have worked in it for the past 33 years. I have sought to keep it successful and have initiated many changes, to both the customer base and the variety of foods we sell. However we have never altered the core value of customer service. We love our customers and I am pleased to say they love us! On a private note, being in the heart of the community, the Restaurant acts as a hub to help the local community for events such as fund raising or charity dinners. From a young age I have always been involved in community initiatives. My wonderful parents taught us to give back what we receive.
3) What inspires you?
The achievements of my father, Mr Bhagwanji Amarshi Lakhani, who came from Uganda in 1972 in impossible times and provided for his family. I cannot imagine what that generation of Asians went through. Now we feel it's easy. Then it must have been so difficult. Their true achievements can only be measured now.
4) What has been the biggest obstacle in your career?
Although my business is successful, it could have been even more so commercially. However following in my parents’ footsteps, to me the business is much more about supporting the community and being ethical. And not forgetting proving great food!
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
My Mother, Mrs Manglaben Bhagwanji Lakhani. Her optimism, even facing adversity in Life. She founded, with others, a community provision for refugee elderly Asian people. At the same time running a business and caring for her family. She and they were " SUPERWOMEN”
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
As a small business I am responsible for everything from purchasing to marketing, financial management and dealing with staffing . This has enabled me to use these skills to play a part in supporting individuals and community organisations. There are many people who have at Bobby's especially students working at weekends who have gone on to do great things.
7) And the worst?
Not enough time to do everything I want to do and achieve. I need an extra day in the week. I am usually up by 7.30 am and am asleep by 1 am the next morning. I never want the day to end.
8) What are your long term goals?
To continue with the business making it more successful, but at the same time continuing to support the community and my family. I also want to be an inspiration to my two sons, Arjun who is studying medicine at Oxford and Karran who is in his 2nd year of A levels. After all we do everything in order to provide for our extended families but especially and above all for our kids.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
To invest heavily in the tools and skills allowing for innovation growth to enable a brighter future for the younger generation. Also to provide greater care and services for the elder generation who have built this great city and this great Country. I want everyone to fulfil their true potential. I want to see people push forward.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
Nelson Mandela, a modern day Mahatma Gandhi. A man of principle who fought for the freedom of his nation and universal values including forgiveness one of the most underrated emotions of all time.
