Often, I end up regretting over my silly purchases – Sulagna Panigrahi

Money. That's what drives everyone in the final analysis, whether in the glamour world of acting or the hard grind of scripting and producing. Cashin' In sits down with TV celebs to know well they handle their financial matters, and tracks their spending patterns. The beauty in being an adolescent is that often you’ll do things for the sheer passion of it and least worry about the results. However, Sulagna Panigrahi aka Dhara of Amber Dhara fame is certainly an exception. The 21-year-old comes across as happy-go-lucky girl who simply wants to cherish every moment in life and not clutter her mind with monetary gains. Perhaps, this is why she advises all to never invest in the stock market. Let’s unearth how Sulagna goes about managing her money. How important is money for you? It’s important but if there’s no love in your life what will you do with that money? Are you an impulsive buyer? Yes. I’m a shopoholic. Often, I end up regretting over my silly purchases. What are the investments you have made? Though, I’ve recently opened my provident fund account I’m not much into investments. In fact, for a girl I don’t even like jewellery. What is your most expensive purchase? My useless video camera which I bought for Rs. 48,000 Do you feel financially secure? Yes, I do especially taking into account the fact that my friends are still studying while I’m making money. At my age, you’ll find people slogging it out in the office and being paid barely 7-10 grands. I’m lucky to have got a break into acting at an early age. Since childhood, I was keen on being financially independent. I used to collect shells in the hope that one day I’d sell them. Who handles your expenses? Since I’m living alone in Mumbai, I have to take care of it myself. But whenever I’m in need of advice, I do consult my parents. What was your first salary? What you did with it? I was the first runner-up at the ‘May Queen’ beauty pageant organized by the defense personnel. Prior to my participation, I was an usher at this event for which I got paid Rs.500. Well, I spent the entire amount on partying. Later on, my first major job was in a BPO. How much money do you carry every day? On an average, I carry Rs.2000 bucks a day. Do you invest in the stock market? Not at all. At 21, I’m too young to invest in the stock market. Any advice for investors? Never invest in the stock market.