I am a gizmo freak – Sharad Malhotra

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. As Sharad Malhotra’s career is going great guns, he has his eyes set on the best things in life. This cool dude is the most chilled out person as far as financial matters are concerned, just the way he is about his personal matters. Know more about Sharad as he talks about his finances, exclusively on Tellychakkar. How important is money for you? (Laughs) It is the most important thing for having a comfortable and luxurious life but it is not more important than my peace of mind and my happiness. Are you an impulsive buyer? I am not an impulsive buyer but when I like something, I don’t see the price tag. It is very rare that I get time to shop, so impulsive buying doesn’t happen very often. I am a gizmo freak, so I usually pick up gadgets. I recently bought an Iphone on an impulse. What are the investments you have made? I have not made enough money to indulge in big investments. I want to save money for buying a house. I am planning to invest my money in something good. I am in talks with my chartered accountant for that. hat is your most expensive purchase? My most expensive purchase is yet to come. I came to Mumbai for work only two years ago, so I have much more work to do and money to earn. Do you feel financially secure? No one feels financially secure. I am sure that even Mukesh Ambani wants to make more money. I am more satisfied financially than before but I have a long way to go. Who handles your expenses? I handle my expenses. I consult my brother in law and my dad at times. What was your first salary? What you did with it? It was Rs. 3,000 for a Reliance print ad. I earned it 3-4 years ago. I spent it on my mom but I don’t exactly remember what I bought for her. I guess I took her out for a dinner. How much money do you carry every day? I generally carry credit cards as I don’t like carrying cash with me. I do carry a couple of thousands for the sake of emergency. I keep them in my car to prevent it from being robbed. Do you invest in the stock market? I have invested in stock market in the past but it was not a good experience. I plan to make better and fruitful investments in the future. I am not interested in stock market any more. Any advice for investors? If you are investing your own money, then play wise and smart. If you are investing someone else’s money, then you may do whatever you want.