Smart Money
Vidya Balan ’ s Money Wisdom
Like success , money means different things to different people . Like all other relationships , people ’ s relationship with money is rather complex . It is driven not just by social stereotypes but by their perception of self worth . In a no-holds barred interview with Outlook Money ’ s Malini Bhupta , actor Vidya Balan talks about what money means to her and big money lessons she has learned over the years .
While for most it is a measure of success , Balan believes it is purchasing power at a very basic level , but for women , “ Money is power and security . Money gives you the strength and courage to live your life on your terms .” Incidentally , Balan ’ s latest film Tumhari Sulu is about the journey of a married woman who steps out to earn a living as a radio jockey , after 12 years of marriage .
Other than financial independence , Balan says : “ Money is also a measure of one ’ s self worth , which is why it is power .”
She should know this because it took her a while to accept the kind of money she was beginning to be paid as an actor . “ I was almost scared of the money I was making . So , I turned down some offers early on in my career as I believed I didn ’ t deserve it .”
Even if money is about self-worth as much as it is about freedom , Balan doesn ’ t compare herself with the male counterparts in Bollywood . But , she can rattle off the returns her film has made for producers , which is 10 times the cost of production . The same cannot be said for male stars . Kahaani , for instance , was made for `6 crore but went on to make `60 crore at the box office . The ratio is still the highest in Bollywood . And she has actually taken the trouble to understand the returns that her films make for producers , rather than chase a headline figure . Of course , Balan ’ s films are not in the `100 crore league yet , but it doesn ’ t bother her because like all other investments , it is the returns that count .
� Money Mantra for Women It is important that you handle your own money . There is no guilt or shame in having control over your own money . I encourage my female staff to save for themselves and set aside a sum every month diligently . Women who don ’ t work must also do the same with the money they get from their husbands or fathers .
� Big Money Mistake I remember , I was scared when I was offered big sums to sign brand endorsements , after my film Parineeta . I could have bought a few penthouses in Bandra with that money .
Realise your worth and don ’ t be scared of the money you make .
� First Big Purchase A flat in Chembur . Now , I invest in debt or equity as the returns are superior .
� Money Advise Understand your own investments . Don ’ t leave it to the discretion of others , even if they are experts . My father forced me to understand different asset classes , even though I hated it . Now , I understand asset classes , returns and take my own decisions on where to invest my money .