Ruby Bhatia, who used to earn Rs 1 lakh per show, says she now makes Rs 1,000 per video
Video jockey Ruby Bhatia addressed public speculations about her financial situation. In a recent interview, he explained his low fees for Instagram videos and his preference for a quieter, more manageable lifestyle amid rising expenses.
VJ Ruby Bhatia, who rose to fame in the 1990s, has responded to speculations about her financial condition following reports that she charges only Rs 1,000 for Instagram videos. Bhatia, a prominent anchor who once charged high fees for major events, now prefers a quiet life and says her decision to keep her fees low is due to rising expenses and a personal philosophy that prioritizes reach over celebrity.
in an interview with bollywood destinationRecalling her earlier earning potential, Bhatia said: “I used to charge around Rs 1 lakh per show for anchoring events in the 90s. For shoots, I used to charge per day depending on the budget of the project.”
Over the past 20 years, she stepped back from regular work and focused on her family and lifestyle away from the limelight.
rising expenses
Renovating the house soon became a significant financial undertaking. “I was spending around Rs 20,000 every day. In between, the COVID-19 pandemic came and everything stopped. When the lockdown lifted, I realized that nothing matched anymore and decided to redo everything. Again, daily expenses started creeping up. Over time, I spent a lot of money.” These unexpected costs led him to reevaluate his approach to work.
Rather than return to his previously rigorous schedule, Bhatia looked for alternatives that would allow him to maintain his lifestyle and family responsibilities. “I had to take care of my children, my home and myself. One day, sitting in my car, I was wondering if I could find a job that could be done over the phone. I needed to earn because my savings had gone into renovation.” Explaining her financial situation, she said, “By the grace of God, I have everything. But the liquid money from my FD was exhausted. To rebuild it, I needed to work.”
new career path
Bhatia’s transition into life coaching was influenced by an invitation to conduct a program for women restarting their careers in their 50s. “When I read the script, it made me think – what would my dream project be? And it hit me: life coaching. I’ve always wanted to be a life coach.” She soon realized that mentoring others came naturally, adding, “Without realizing it and without charging anything, I have been offering life coaching since the age of 25. Many women credit me for their achievements. That’s when I decided to make it a profession. People reach out to me now from all over the world.”
The reason behind affordable fees
Explaining his approach to pricing, Bhatia said, “In India, people are still hesitant to go to psychologists, but are comfortable talking to a friend. That’s where a life coach comes in. I have kept my fees at Rs 1,000 so that it remains accessible.” She further added, “If I charged thousands, only celebrities would approach me. I wanted it to be for everyone.” Their decision to keep the fees modest reflects their desire to make life coaching available to a wider audience.
future plans
Bhatia’s personal philosophy is rooted in simplicity and contentment. “It keeps me happy. I take two to three calls a day, earn Rs 2,000-3,000, and that’s enough. I am earning only for everyday living. I have everything else. Life coaching gives me cash.” She provides coaching in personality development, meditation and weight loss, saying, “I teach people to lose one kilo a day – completely safe and natural. I have collectively lost about 500 kilos. After both my pregnancies, I lost 30 kilos each time. My program is very successful, with a maximum weight loss of two kilos per week.”
Now 51, with two grown children, Bhatia is open to selective offline assignments. “I’ve started accepting anchoring assignments again. But they won’t be cheap – I’ll charge standard industry rates.”
Despite the changes in her professional life, she is satisfied with her choice.