MTV VJ and actress Anusha Dandekar talks about her financial advisors, investments & financial goals in an exclusive interview to Cafemutual. The glam girl, who made her mark in Bollywood with Mumbai Matinee and has worked in films like Viruddh, Anthony Kaun Hai and City of Gold does not quite fancy the financial world. However, Anusha believes investment in property is rewarding and says that savings have always been a priority for a safer and better future

Unlike salaried people, celebrities such as film stars and VJs do not have a regular or fixed source of income or a definite retirement age. Given the uncertainty in your source of income, what are the challenges in managing finances?

Yes, there is definitely an uncertainty but it’s a welcome uncertainty. The best way to deal with that is to invest in property, stocks and mutual funds. Such investments help people like me create a buffer. It’s necessary to derive income from other sources like investments.

Who manages your financial affairs?

It’s my accountant who does that. He helps guide me in smart, safe investments.

Who helps you make investments? Do you avail the services of a financial planner, bank, or wealth manager?

A couple of people help me, my accountant, my personal banker from HDFC Bank and my parents, but I generally consult my accountant. He guides me in investment issues.

Have you invested in any stocks, mutual funds or insurance? Any experience you can share with us?

I have invested in mutual funds and insurance policies. I want to invest in stocks but I am not sure about their operation. I think I need to first learn about stocks before I invest in them. But I have friends who can guide me and I will invest in stocks eventually.

Have you considered engaging the services of a professional financial advisor?

Yes I want to, in the future.

Which is the best investment you have made till now?

I bought an apartment once. I don’t think it was my best investment but it was a learning experience. I did make a small profit out of it but it took a long time because the builders indulged in foul play. But it would have been a good investment, nonetheless, if everything had gone right. Thus, I think it was the best investment I made, because I learned from it.

Any investment that you repent making?

Yes, the same one. It was my best and worst.

Are you a financially inclined person?

Yes, completely. I like living a nice, comfortable life, but I balance it out. I neither overspend nor under spend. I am very good at managing my finances. People expect us to spend like crazy but I am not like that. But that doesn’t mean I am stingy (laughs…). I love buying gifts for people but I don’t overdo it. I love living amidst luxuries, but I don’t think expensive things are always necessary.

So you were the same as a teenager?

I have been working since I was 15 years old. I have been a hair stylist, managed fashion stores, worked in café’s etc. I held two jobs simultaneously at times! I love working. I didn’t like asking my parents for money, even though they were doing very well financially. So I have always been an independent girl. I like to spend but I like to save at the same time.

If celebrities were stocks which person you would have invested your money in?

If I could, I would invest in a company instead of a person. MTV (Viacom 18) sounds great! Because I work for it, it’s a massive company, it will never get old or run out of work and I am familiar with it! Safe and Successful!

Do you give any lessons to your two sisters about savings and investment?

I am the middle child among the three sisters and they don’t really listen to me. My elder sister is a spendthrift while the younger is very good at saving. So they are both poles apart and I am a balance between the two and do both. But all of us are concentrating on investments these days! Hopefully we will do one together!

Do you have a financial goal you would like to achieve?

I would love to have property and that’s something in the future I will invest in.

Have you ever read or do you read financial newspapers?

Definitely not! I don’t even go to the finance department at the MTV office (laughs…). I did not pay attention in mathematics in my school either. Oops!

If a budding actor who has just got a big break were to seek your guidance on managing his/her finances, what would be your advice?

Firstly, that you are coming to the wrong person and guide them on who to speak to! Hehe… I would also advise them to set aside some of their money as a backup and invest it in something safe for a better future.