'I like to play it safe!' Chaitanya

Money. That's what drives everyone in the final analysis, whether in the glamour world of acting or the hard grind of scripting and producing. Cashin' In sits down with TV celebs to know well they handle their financial matters, and tracks their spending patterns.

Chaitanya Choudhary, the unsullied and well-groomed dude of several Star Plus soaps, isn't quite as laid back as he looks. Behind the casual lounging look, lies a meticulous mind that plans carefully and invests wisely, finds Riya V Anandwala.

How do you handle your money?
I believe in investing my money. I have made it a point to invest a fixed amount every month without fail and I do it whatever happens!

What do you invest in?
I invest in mutual funds and insurance schemes.

When did you start investing?
From the day I started working! When I say working, I mean acting mainly, because before that, I was modeling which meant I wasn't really salting away much.

Do you also dabble in the share market?
Never. That's a highly risky matter, and it's not easy to play around with. And MFs and insurance definitely have a higher rate of return.

How else do you bank your money?
I don't believe in having fixed deposits, as one hardly gets anything in return. So saving money in that way is not what I opt for. Insurances, MF, PPF are the kinds which have a easy way out, as when you are in dire need of money, one can cancel the insurance or break the deposit to get your returns.

Have you ever invested in property?
I possess a three BHK at Oshiwara, that my father bought years back for Rs 35 lakh, but I guess by now, its price must have doubled. I want to buy a flat of my own, let's see when that happens. And that will my first investment in a property.

Are you an impulsive buyer?
No!!! I am a very careful player. I think a lot before buying anything. Especially when it comes to gadgets, I do a lot of planning. For instance, I never pick up a mobile phone casually . I guess its because I am from a service background, and my thinking and spending is restricted. So that circumspection is inbuilt in me. And thats how I like to play it safe!

But as an actor, aren't you tempted to buy stuff to enhance your looks?
Oh yes! I have started spending a lot on my looks. That's the only area where you can see me spending impulsively, like picking up a shirt or glares on the spot if I like it. But then, I don't often go on shopping sprees.

Have you bought a car?
Oh yes! I have three cars of my own, but I drive only one. The rest are for my family.

Did you go in for loans while making the purchases?
I bought my Indica outright. But my Skoda was bought on loan, the first EMI saw a down payment of four lakh, and now I have to pay around Rs 15,000 every month! I also have a Zen, for which I took on a loan of two lakh, which I am done paying up for.

Who looks after your finances?
I have my C.A and my investment banker. But I definitely keep a tab on what is going on.

What can you call yourself - a self-made man or one who gets by with some help from family?
A completely self made man, because it's not just money, but my hard earned moolah, man. I am very careful with my money, and will never spend just for the heck of it. I believe in getting good value for what I purchase. Even if I have to buy something for my family, I think twice before buying!