Indraneil Sengupta considers himself a failure when it comes to handling money matters. Slowly and steadily, he is trying to improve his skills in that department.
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.

How important is money for you?

Money is important for me as it is necessary to survive in this world. Money is the third priority of my life, the first two being happiness and love.

Are you an impulsive buyer?

Yes, I am an impulsive buyer but I never regrets. There are many things that I don’t use after buying. I spent a bomb on my Suzuki Inazuna bike, which I hardly ride.

What are the investments you have made?

I have invested in fixed deposits, bond equity, a house, a car and I have invested heavily in my marriage, I hope it gives me good returns.

What is your most expensive purchase?
My house is the most expensive purchase I have made till date.

Do you feel financially secure?
Not really. I feel my financial status could have been better. I want to make more progress in life and after I do that I will want even more progress. So I am never going to feel financially secure.

Who handles your expenses?
My wife Barkha handles my expenses and she handles it very nicely. She makes sure that we don’t spend too much money on partying and eating out.

What was your first salary? What did you do with it?
It was Rs. 6,000. I earned it by working for Gujarat Ambuja in Ahmedabad. Since I was living with my parents at that time, I blew it all up on my friends.

How much cash do you carry on a daily basis?
I carry Rs. 1,000 to 1,500 on a daily basis. Earlier I used to not carry credit cards but now I have started carrying it.

Do you invest in the stock market?
I don’t invest in it. I don’t want to take the trouble of keeping myself informed on it and all. I prefer making long term investments where I don’t have to bother for at least ten years.

Any advice to investors?

I would l say invest in real estate. It is the best investment and its value keeps rising.