When stardust fades

Yesteryear Bollywood actress Geetha Kapoor of Pakeezah fame was in the news for being abandoned by her family. Closer home, several former Tollywood actors like Savithri, Malathi, Harnath, R. Nageshwar Rao, Chitoor Nagaiah, Kantha Rao, S.V. Ranga Rao, Rajanala and Chhaya Devi have also faced a similar fate towards the end of their lives.  

Actress Jamuna feels this is a normal outcome of not understanding the business of films. “These businesses may not suit most of the actresses as you need a bit of luck to succeed. In fact, Savithri’s downfall started after she ventured into production. I really cried my heart out when I saw her in a coma,” she says.

Actor Chandra Mohan believes that money management is the key. “Stars like Naga Bhushan, Harnath, R. Nageswara Rao and Savithri got addicted to alcohol and led pitiable lives towards the end. Upon seeing them, I realised how important it is to plan, save and invest while earning,” says the actor.

Actress Jamuna feels this is a normal outcome of not understanding the business of films

Yesteryear actress Sharada also concurs and says, “Lack of proper guidance, vision and fate makes life miserable towards the end,” while actress Sangeetha of Muthyala Muggu adds, “When I hear news about my colleagues, I feel dejected. You have to be selfish in financial matters, and cannot trust even your family members. Since films are not a permanent job, you need to make strategic investments as none of the people who were once around you are going to be of help when you grow old.”

Interestingly, actor Giri Babu points out that stars often spend lavishly as they take their stardom for granted. “Lending money quickly and a lack of control over their immediate family members triggers the downfall,” says Giri Babu, while Geethanjali explains that in the bygone era, actresses never managed their finances. “In our days, parents used to manage our finances, and we focused only on work. Parents who managed their children and finances well continued to do well even in the later stages of life,” she says.

Tamannaah Bhatia

Gen next actors make smart moves

In contrast, leading ladies of Gen Next are money-smart, as some of them are dabbling in different lines of work. Tamannaah Bhatia, apart from being an actor has also ventured into the jewellery business, which her father is also a part of. “My penchant for design made me foray into it but you need to be lucky to turn your passion into your profession,” shares the actress.

Pranitha Subhash is another actress who is also an entrepreneur. Says Pranitha, who has started a restaurant, “Cinema is my profession while food is a passion. I was looking for the right opportunity to make an investment.” Actress Rakul Preet Singh has also made Hyderabad her base and has started a gym.