Known for experimenting with film scripts and giving every role a perfect edge, Pawan Malhotra has always set the benchmark in Bollywood with his brilliant performances. Recipient of the National Award and critically acclaimed for his performance in Black Friday and Mubarakan, he is ready to showcase his upcoming film, Flight. He has also worked in blockbusters such as Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, Judwaa 2 and Rustom. In a conversation with Cafemutual, he shares his take on finance, mutual funds, investments and more…
Please tell us about your role in your upcoming film. How is it different from your roles so far?
The film is called Flight. We are almost done with shooting the film; only the post-production work remains. I have worked with new faces in this movie. It is a thriller, with a lot of action in the flying plane. For the first time, something like this is being attempted in India. I am also doing a film with Anubhav Sinha.
Are you more inclined towards any particular genre?
As an actor, I feel I should be part of all sorts of films. I was never concerned about genre before selecting a movie. I just see if the story is interesting. That was the only reason I did Judwaa 2 even though people told me that I can’t do comic roles. I am happy that everyone appreciated my role of the police officer in Judwaa 2.
You came to Mumbai from Delhi long ago. Tell us about your initial struggle in terms of finance? How did you manage?
My initial days in Mumbai were quite challenging. I did not have enough money and the movies I was doing were small budget. Managing finances in a new city is not easy, especially when you decide not to go back home. I guess many of us have gone through such a phase. The first advertisement I did was of Talwar Kakkad’s Mathura Shirts; I was going to get just Rs.50, but I did it because I was completely broke. I did every kind of work until I got my first acting assignment as an actor in Nukkad. I had to take an advance from the producers because I had no money at all. I am glad that despite the struggle I was lucky enough to start my career with some of the best people in the industry – Kundan Shah, Vinod Chopra and Syed Mirza.
What did you do with your first pay cheque?
All that I earned in the initial phase went into survival.
Your first investment?
My first investment was in government bonds. I got my money doubled in 6 years.
How have your investments helped you out?
Let me give you an instance. A few years back, a bank guy sold an insurance policy to me on the assurance of attractive returns. However, when I checked with the bank after four years, they told me that markets were declining and they could not return even my principal amount. The bank guy told me to stay invested in the policy for another four years for good returns. However, I decided to redeem my investments as I realised I was mis-sold.
Being in a profession which does not guarantee regular payment, how do you suggest one should manage one’s wealth?
In this career nothing is permanent, so when you get a chunk today spend it in a way that it lasts at least a few months. In this profession you have to go with certain planning in your mind. I want to make a suggestion to youngsters who have just started their career – do not overspend your money. I know people who buy cars on EMIs and fly to places. You should maintain a lifestyle that you can manage. Also, you should invest your money wisely to protect your future.
Who advises you on finance? Do you take the help of a financial advisor?
My CA, who is like a brother, is the one who advises me on finance. He gives me valuable suggestions, but the final decision is mine.
What do you think of mutual funds?
I have no idea; I am very scared of investing in mutual funds. Ek age ke baad (after a certain age), you cannot gamble with your money.
Mutual funds are good for people who understand it. For me, I am fine with traditional investments.
