Money Matters-Varun Badola

With the success of Zee's Astitva, Rabba Ishq Naa Hove and Star One's Nach Baliye, Varun Badola has two more shows up his sleeve. With so many shows on hand, how does he manage his income, we wonder? We decided to ask the man himself. Riya V Anandwala talks to Varun about how he invests his money without a financial advisor to help him out.

How do you manage your money?
I definitely make investments, I invest a lot in funds but not shares.

What about real eastate?
I have invested in my house, which is situated in Goregaon.

Do you make an effort to plan your life financially?
I never plan my life. I work, earn and save! But in future definitely, there will be a point, where I will sit and think about my finances and will take it more seriously. But today, it's not possible I can't sit and think.

Are you an impulsive buyer?
I am not even remotely that. I come from a middle class background, so it's inbuilt in me that I can't buy anything and everything. I never had that kind of money to blow up, so this mentality has stayed with me till date. Compulsive buying comes from practice!

What about other investments?
I invest in bonds, but I never invest in stocks and gold.

Have you insured yourself?
I believe in insurance and I have insured myself.

Who are your benificiaries?
My mother and my wife Rajeshwari will be beneficial of my insurance.

Do you support our tax system?
Normally, I just pay my tax once. As I am working so cheques coming in later. Later in life, I will systematically plan everything, and even save for my taxes. I feel everyone must pay their taxes on time; no one should play around with it. I totally believe and support our tax system. I don't want IT officers coming to my house, it's very shameful!

Do you own a car? Is it on loan?
I have two cars, Icon and Accord. Both are on loan, and certainly that way, it becomes easier for anyone, not only actors.

How are you by nature when it comes to finances?
By nature, I am very careless when it comes to my finances. I spend where it's necessary but I only give money to people who need it. I am a self made man, who started working as an assistant director, with a minimal pay for years together and then stepped into acting. So it has been a tough life throughout without a financial support.

Do you bank on any other profession than acting?
I have worked with renowned directors, so if not acting I will definitely take up direction, which I am quite sure of doing some day or the other.