Who can forget the beauty and grace of the actress who made her foray into Hindi films with the unforgettable Ek Duje Ke Liye. After playing a spate of roles as heroine to leading actors of her time, Rati Agnihotri settled down to become a homemaker and entrepreneur, then resurfaced to act in Bollywood. She also did English plays like Love Hua Once More and Please Divorce Me Darling.

Despite her slip discs, a back surgery and a gap of 24 years Rati had the fortitude and verve to put on her dancing shoes for the celeb dance show Jhalak Dhikla Jaa on Sony TV, where she competed with participants much younger than her. And now she's all set to take up television. In the upcoming serial Kaajjal, Rati will be essaying a business woman and the mother of Apurva Agnihotri.

And even in real life, she an enterprising lady - she runs two shops! Rather than hoarding herself with luxuries, this generous lady would prefer to spend on helping the needy.

Gita Hari finds out more…..

Splurge on: The only instance I spend lavishly is when I am abroad buying gifts for my family and my little doggies. Otherwise I buy whatever is necessary for the occasion as I value money a lot. With so much misery around us, I would rather put money where it will bring a smile on the faces of the less fortunate ones. I am not a compulsive shopper as I don't believe in just going around spending money for the heck of it.

Clothes: I am not into any particular designer label but prefer something that will look good on me and suit my age and persona. I know I came in for a lot of flak for my personal selection in Jhalak Dikla Jaa but I still feel I went for the costumes in accordance with the song given by the channel. I spend on timeless Kanjivaram and French chiffon saris.

Accessories: When it comes to jewellery, I go only for the genuinely antique ones.

Handbags: I love designer handbags though it is rarely that I take them out.

Footwear: High heel shoes are a no-no for me as I have suffered slip disc four times.

Eating out: It doesn't happen that often as I love to cook for the family. I love Japanese or Thai cuisine.

Travel: Kerala and Paris are the two holiday destinations I love.

Must carry: Most of the time I go out my husband accompanies me, so I don't even carry a purse. If I am alone, then my cellphone and credit cards are the musts in my handbag. Sometimes I even forget to carry cash, which can be quite dicey.

Money wise: I am careful with my income and invest in shares, bonds and fixed deposits.

Charity: I spend quite a lump sum on it. I earn as an entrepreneur but many times
I work free for people (films and theatre) or send the proceeds to charitable organizations like NGOs working for Aids and cancer patients, but anonymously.