Source: aajtak
In the 1990s, Ruby Bhatia became India's first VJ and swiftly captured the nation's attention. After her Miss India Canada win, she arrived in Mumbai, took up modeling, and carved out a career as a VJ, a groundbreaking idea back then with minimal competition.
(Photo: FB @rubybhatia)
Source: aajtak
She hosted major shows and events, reportedly charging around 1 lakh rupees per show about 20 years ago. Recently, Ruby gained attention for charging just 1,000 rupees for an Instagram video.
(Photo: Instagram @rubybhatia123)
Source: aajtak
This sparked social media debates about her financial status. A Reddit post discussed her situation and emphasized timely investments. However, Ruby dispels these myths. In a chat with Bollywood Thikana, she opened up about her life.
(Photo: FB @rubybhatia)
Source: aajtak
Ruby shared, 'In the 90s, I used to charge about 1 lakh rupees for a show. The charges varied based on project budgets. I've lived a tranquil life for around 20 years, often seen with family in Lokhandwala. Our home is about 30 years old.'
(Photo: FB @rubybhatia)
Source: aajtak
Ruby remarked, 'Initially, I thought I'd do a bit of painting and updating, but it escalated. Carpenters, painters came, turning it into full-scale renovation. I spent around 20,000 rupees daily. Then came COVID, halting everything. Post-lockdown, restarting became necessary, incurring further expenses.'
(Photo: FB @rubybhatia123)
Source: aajtak
'I couldn't work 12-hour shoots anymore,' Ruby added, 'My responsibilities grew: family, home, personal care. Sitting in my car one day, I wondered about work I could do from my phone. My savings were put into the house. By divine grace, I have everything, but my FD cash was spent, prompting me to work again.'
(Photo: Instagram @rubybhatia123)
Source: aajtak
During this phase, WEE invited her to an event focusing on women restarting their careers post-50. Reading the script, she pondered her dream project and realized it was life coaching. Ruby has unknowingly advised people since 25, with many women attributing their success to her. That inspired her professional pivot.
(Photo: Instagram @rubybhatia123)
Source: aajtak
Ruby explained her low fees: 'In India, visiting psychologists is daunting for some, but talking to a friend is easier. A life coach fills that role. I set my fee at 1,000 rupees to remain affordable. I handle 2-3 calls a day, earning 2,000-3,000 rupees, which suffices for me. I have everything else.'
(Photo: Instagram @rubybhatia123)
Source: aajtak
Now 51, with two grown children, Ruby retired from showbiz at its peak to embrace spirituality but desires a career restart. 'I've resumed anchoring—not cheaply, but at industry rates. No regrets about my choices. I'm content not being so famous that I can't live a normal life. I enjoy time with my kids and travel freely.'
(Photo: Instagram @rubybhatia123)
