Biography

Gobind Tejoomal Samtani, better known as Gope T. Samtani (born October 1, 1943), is an Indonesian businessman and film producer of Indian descent. He is the founder and owner of the production company Rapi Films. In his youth, Gope aspired to become a doctor, but his dream did not come true. He initially worked as a clothing trader before eventually establishing Rapi Films. Gope had been passionate about watching movies since childhood. When he founded Rapi Films in 1968, he started with a capital of approximately Rp 3 million. Initially, Rapi Films was established as an export-import company. For this venture, he did not hesitate to seek advice from his older brother, Subagio Samtani, who was already experienced as a producer through PT Sambung Film. He also sought guidance from Turino Djunaidi of PT Sarinande Film. In 1970, Rapi Films successfully produced its first movie, Air Mata Kekasih. With an average of three films produced per year, by early 1985, Gope’s company had released 45 titles. Recognized for his contributions to the industry, Gope received the Parfi award as an Exemplary Producer. He also won the Antemas Award twice, which is given to the highest-grossing films. The awarded films were Rahasia Perkawinan (at FFI 1981 in Semarang) and Nyi Blorong (at FFI 1983 in Medan).