Son of veteran comedian Paintal, Hiten Paintal started his career with films and got into television with shows like Yeh Hai Mere Apne and Lo Kal Lo Baat besides Darna Mana Hai and Ek Ladki Anjani Si. The actor is a spendthrift to the core and loves to pick up stuff for his folks wherever possible. Of course, he also has a penchant for cars.
Kavita Shyam spoke to Hiten on how he manages his money.

"My father manages 60 percent of the money"

How do you manage your finances?
Basically, my finances are handled by my dad. I manage just about 40 per cent of my money. As soon as I get a cheque, I hand it over to my father. We have a joint bank account. But we also maintain sepate accounts, although we can operate each other's.

What do you like to invest in?
Given an opportunity, I would like to have hordes of cars. But that would be like wasting money as the cars depreciate with time! I want to buy some property soon and I am looking out for something really nice.

When did you start investing?
I started working six years ago, and since then slowly, I have been investing in something or the other. Though of course, dad does my fixed deposits and stuff like that, which I rarely understand!

Do you dabble in the share market?
No, I don't get into the share market. I know I'll make a mess of it, so I don't want to venture into all this. I prefer to be on the safer side - I prefer my FDs.

Has your family invested in property?

" I'd open an chain of restaurants"

My father has bought property in Lonavala near Pune and at Panchgani. But I am saving money to buy a nice place in suburban Mumbai, hopefully by this year end.

Are you an impulsive buyer?
I am very much an impulsive buyer. If I like something, I just pick it up, not just for myself but for the whole family. Money just does not stay in my hand!

Have you bought a car?
Yes. I bought a black Scorpio six months ago. I had earlier bought an Indica in 1999.

Did you opt for loans while making your big purchases?
Yes, I did, for both my cars.

Do you bank on any other profession other than acting?
No. But I have plans of opening a chain of restaurants in the future. Let me establish myself and make enough money. I will surely start a restaurant.

What would you call yourself - a self-made man or one who gets with some

"Everybody and everything is insured"

help from the family?
I think I am a mix of both. I am a self-made man, but my family is always there. If something goes wrong, my folks are there to fall back on.

Do you believe in insurance and what have you insured?
Of course. The cars, house, our family, everybody and everything in the house is insured.

Does the Union Budget affect you?
Not really. I know how much to spend and by now, I am used to the prices of commodities fluctuating every now and then.

Do you keep yourself updated on finance matters by reading newspapers?
Not at all, I just don't go through the financial segments of newspapers. I hated accounts as a subject in school!