Smart Money
Survival of the truest
O
ne of the brightest actors of the Bengali film fraternity,
Parambrata Chatterjee shot to fame with his portrayal
of Satyaki ‘Rana’ Sinha, the police officer who helps
the lead character Vidya Balan in the film Kahaani (2012). In
his latest, he has acted with Anushka Sharma in the horror
flick Pari. Having started his career with Bengali television,
Chatterjee eventually launched his own production house
so he could write and produce his own films. In a chat with
Outlook Money’s Anagh Pal, the actor spoke about the role of
money in his life and how he manages to strike a balance.
▶ What is your relationship with money?
I would think that money is very, very important. It is one
of the prime driving forces, whether we accept it or not.
In ancient times it was barter; today it’s a different kind
of money. I have had a strange relationship with money.
I have enjoyed life when I had more money, but I have
always been clear that I would not let money completely
control my head, heart, and aesthetics.
▶ What has been one of your money mistakes?
In the early days of my career, say till five or six years
ago, I always under-quoted. I have known friends and
colleagues who knew how to quote well, negotiate,
and draw the line. For me, it was more like “whatever
budget you have and whatever I’m quoting; let’s reach
midway and settle it”. I have under-quoted at times
–- under-quoted my salary, my fees, my worth... that’s
something I probably should not have done.
▶ Your first big purchase?
I come from a middle-class, highly educated,
‘typically Bengali’ background, where people always
believe in thinking higher than living higher. My first
big purchase after I started working, way back in
2002, was a sound system that played both CDs and
cassettes. It was my first big purchase.
▶ What key money lesson have you learned
over time?
Our relationship with money should be like two
friendly neighbours or partners. You let them
contribute to your life and success and journey,
but at the same time you need to retain your
sovereignty.