Winner of Filmfare ‘Best director’ award, Anurag Basu has made films like Life in a metro, Kites, Gangster and Murder. In a conversation on financial goals and investments, Pallabika Ganguly finds that the director prefers to concentrate on his career and direct movies and has left all financial hassles to his mother
Unlike salaried people, film people such as actors and directors do not have a regular fixed income or a fixed retirement age. Given the uncertain nature of your work, what are the special challenges in managing finances?
It is difficult to earn sustained income lifelong from this industry. So, it is very important to manage your money and grow your wealth. The most challenging part in managing wealth is to take out quality time and select best financial instruments where you can invest.
Who manages your financial affairs?
All my financial challenges are handled efficiently by my mother for the last eight years. Earlier, my dad used to take care of it.
Who helps you make investments for the future?
We are guided by a CA for various investment activities. We do not require any financial planner as we feel our CA is an expert in all types of investment.
Have you invested in stocks or mutual funds or insurance? Any experience you can share with us?
Yes, we have invested in mutual funds and insurance but not in stocks. Those are all long term investments, so we are yet to see good returns. Currently, I feel all the investments are giving fair returns.
Have you considered engaging the services of a professional financial advisor?
Not yet.
Which is the best investment you have made till now?
My house is the best investment. I feel in long term, realty always gives a good return.
Any investment that you repent making.
All my investments are for long term and I feel all are delivering fair returns.
Are you a financial savvy person?
Hahaha…I am a little away from these matters as my maa looks into all this. She keeps investing in some or the other financial instruments on behalf of the family. You won’t believe but I still ask for money from my maa.
Do you give any lessons to your children about savings and investment?
We see to it that kids do not misuse money. My elder daughter is only six years old but she is very cautious while spending. She does not like to waste money on luxurious items.
Do you have a financial goal you wish to achieve in the future?
We emphasize on the fact that every member of the family should be financially secure.
Have you ever read or do you read financial newspapers?
Sometimes, I glance through Economic Times.
If a budding actor who has just got a big break were to seek your guidance on managing her finances, what would be your advice?
Every entertainment or media professional should have an alternate mode of income. They should also manage their wealth prudently right from the early stage of their success so that their future is taken care of.
