Ruby Bhatia, widely recognised as India’s first video jockey, has addressed recent speculation after reports claimed she now charges just Rs 1,000 for personalised Instagram videos, despite earning close to Rs 1 lakh per show during the peak of her career in the 1990s.
Ruby, who became a household name after moving to Mumbai and pioneering VJ culture in India, said the assumptions about her financial situation are misplaced. In a recent interview, she explained that she has been living a quiet life away from the spotlight for nearly 20 years.
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The former VJ revealed that she recently decided to renovate her family home in Lokhandwala, which unexpectedly turned into a major expense. What began as a small plan for repainting soon escalated into a full-scale renovation involving carpenters and painters, costing nearly Rs 20,000 a day. The project was further disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to additional costs when work resumed.
Ruby clarified that while she is financially secure, much of her liquid savings and fixed deposits were spent during the renovation process, prompting her to seek flexible work that could fit her family life.
She eventually began offering life coaching, focusing on personality development, meditation, and wellness. Ruby said she intentionally keeps her fees low to ensure her services remain accessible to ordinary people, not just celebrities.
At 51, Ruby added that she may return to selective anchoring assignments again, charging standard industry rates, while continuing her coaching work.
