Rajan Shahi interview

There is no doubt that money plays an important part in everyone's life. And celebs are known as much for the bundles they earn as anything else. Is it the same with TV stars? For our Tellywatch column on money, Rajan Shahi shared his thoughts on money and more.

How important is money to you?
Money is a means to an end. Money is not the most important thing – it does solve certain problems but not everything. Money by itself is not everything. Being a producer, money does give me the professional satisfaction to lead a good and comfortable life. Money should not be less or more…there should be a right balance of it. It is important to understand that money should not take over life.

How do you handle your expenses?
We have a system set; my financial team handles all the money inflow and outflow. On a personal level, I monitor what and how I spend. I have gone through a lot of ups and downs, so I have due respect for money and don't carelessly spend. I spend only on a need basis.

How good are you at saving?
I am never in the habit of saving; I feel loaded by saving money. I put all the money that I get into new shows and generally buy whenever required only.

Are you a spendthrift?
I don't know to exactly judge myself on this…I am not a very ambitious person so I spend when a need arises.

Are you an impulsive buyer?
Sometimes…I like to buy stuff like clothes and accessories. But I would rather say that I am a balanced buyer.

What do you spend the most amount of money on?
I am quite impulsive when it comes to perfumes…I am very fond of them. Actually, most of my money goes into setting up my shows.

Most recent purchase…
I got some clothes and boots yesterday for an awards function.

At what age did you start earning and what did you do with your first salary?
At the age of nine, I did a guest appearance in a movie called 'Masoom' by Shekhar Kapur. I got good money for that and I bought a lot of chocolates. But I properly started earning when I was 21. I started as an assistant director and was paid Rs.1,500. I could not party – neither could I give it to my parents nor could I save anything. All the money went for paying my rent.

How much money do you carry with you every day?
I carry about six to seven thousand with me every day. I use cards as well when required.

What is your best purchase till date?
Every purchase has been equally important and satisfactory for me. Maybe it was when I gave watches to my parents as the first gift…I felt a little proud.

One tip as far as spending money is concerned…
Money should be spent in a balanced way and whenever required only. You might have a lot of money but you never know what the future holds. It is important to know that money may come and go but it is not the ultimate thing that can give happiness.

Keep checking back at this space as we bring you more thoughts from your favourite TV stars.