They came from a life that was financially comfortable and lived in a climate that was always warm and sunny. In the UK her father worked in a factory to provide food and shelter for them and his extended family of twenty-five. Soon thereafter setting up a small grocery shop on Green Lane Road where both her mother and father worked long hours, eventually moving from Leicester to London and opening up a cash and carry on Ealing Road, Wembley in 1978. Nita Cash & Carry has firmly stood the test of time and is one of the major players in this arena. She went on to work for Eros and the Indian film industry and other creative mediums in the UK.
1) Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in?
I feel most at home in London as I’ve lived, studied and worked here, with my family all my life. However, as my father has a home in Mumbai and my parents have been taking us to India for holidays, I feel Mumbai is my second home.
2) What are your proudest achievements?
I have worked with top actors, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor and top producers and still maintain close friendships with many of them such as Subhash Ghai, Rajshri Productions, Venus Films, Abbas Mustan, but most of all I’m proud of the values that my parents and my Guru Morari Bapu have instilled in me.
3) What inspires you?
Underdog stories. Real people making real changes in life, having the courage to stand up for truth, love, compassion and justice. Nima Elbagir, Arwa Damon, Clarissa Ward, Greta Thunberg, Malala Yousafzai, Volodymyr Zelensky. My mother & father, Sarla & Himat Dawada and my youngest sister Reshma are the most devoted and sacrificing people I know.
4) What has been biggest obstacle in your career?
People underestimating me because I am a female. Chauvinism and sexism have been openly prevalent in the workspaces. However, the Me Too Movement has helped to bring injustices to light. Progress has been made but we still have a long way to go.
5) Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date?
My sister Reshma Dawada. She has been running my parents’ business and created several new businesses of her own. She has always motivated me and pushed me to be more than I am, exceeding my potential.
6) What is the best aspect about your current role?
Currently, I am writing articles and have set up a small business selling ethnic wear online called ‘Blouses etc’. Since I work from home and as I live in an extended family this affords me the ability to look after family members and use my creativity to the best of my ability.
7) And the worst?
Working from home, juggling domestic dynamics at the same time, people often think you do nothing.
8) What are your long term goals?
Along with what I’m doing now, I envisage taking on many other projects in different spectrums. I see myself being more involved in the film business again. I also want to work with local councils to help develop safe housing and try to eradicate homelessness. I would like to motivate others into reaching the best version of themselves.
9) If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change?
There are numerous concerns that require my immediate attention, including the economy, environment, NHS, wealth disparity, and directing technology to improve health... But if I had the ability, I would cease conflicts and work to advance love, civility, peace, and humanity. Although some could call it a utopian goal, I believe it is attainable.
10) If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why?
Oprah Winfrey. She has interacted with more people than any world leader. She has experience and knowledge of people from all walks of life. I could learn so much from her.
