Ruby Bhatia's Journey from High-Paid VJ to Accessible Life Coach
Ruby Bhatia, who made history as India's first video jockey in the 1990s, has recently found herself at the center of financial speculation after revealing she charges just Rs 1,000 for Instagram video sessions as a life coach. This stands in stark contrast to her peak earning days when she reportedly commanded close to Rs 1 lakh per anchoring show more than two decades ago.
The Speculation and Reality Behind the Pricing
When news emerged about Ruby's current Rs 1,000 fee structure, many assumed the former celebrity was facing financial difficulties. A Reddit discussion even cited her example while emphasizing the importance of early investments. However, in a candid interview with Bollywood Thikana, Ruby clarified that these assumptions couldn't be further from the truth.
"I used to charge about Rs 1 lakh per show in the 90s for anchoring events," Ruby recalled. "For shoots, I charged per day depending on the project's budget." The drastic shift in her pricing strategy, she explained, stems from deliberate life choices rather than financial distress.
The Home Renovation That Changed Everything
Ruby, who has been living a quiet life in Lokhandwala with her family for approximately two decades, decided to refresh her 30-year-old home with some painting and minor updates. What began as a simple refreshment project quickly escalated into a full-scale renovation.
"I was spending nearly Rs 20,000 every day," she revealed about the unexpected expenses. The situation became more complicated when the COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the renovation work. When restrictions lifted, Ruby discovered that nothing matched anymore, forcing her to redo everything from scratch.
"Over time, I spent a lot of money," she admitted, explaining that her fixed deposit savings were significantly depleted by the renovation costs.
Finding a New Purpose in Life Coaching
While contemplating how to rebuild her liquid assets without returning to demanding 12-hour shooting schedules, Ruby had an epiphany during what she describes as a "manifesting" moment in her car. She realized her true calling lay in life coaching—a role she had been performing informally since her mid-twenties.
"Without even realising it—and without charging—I had been offering life coaching since I was 25," Ruby explained. "Several women credit me for their achievements. That's when I decided to make it a profession."
Her coaching services now span multiple areas including:
- Personality development
- Meditation techniques
- Natural weight loss programs
Ruby proudly shared that her weight loss program has helped clients lose approximately 500 kilograms collectively, with her personally losing 30 kilograms after each of her two pregnancies.
The Philosophy Behind the Rs 1,000 Fee
Ruby's decision to keep her fees at Rs 1,000 is deeply intentional. "In India, people still hesitate to go to psychologists but are comfortable talking to a friend," she observed. "That's where a life coach comes in. I kept my fee at Rs 1,000 so it remains accessible."
She emphasized that higher fees would limit her clientele to celebrities, while her goal is to make life coaching available to everyone. This approach aligns with her personal philosophy as a student of spirituality who stepped away from fame at just 30 years old.
"This keeps me happy," Ruby said about her current work. "I take two to three calls a day, earn Rs 2,000–3,000, and that's enough. I'm only earning for day-to-day life. I have everything else. Life coaching gives me liquid cash."
Balancing Past and Present
At 51, with two grown children, Ruby has begun accepting selective anchoring assignments again, though she clarifies these will be at standard industry rates rather than her accessible coaching fees. Despite walking away from celebrity status at her peak, she expresses no regrets about her choices.
"I am glad I am not so famous that I can't live a normal life," she reflected. "I am grateful I can spend time with my kids and move freely in public places."
Ruby Bhatia's journey demonstrates how financial decisions can reflect personal values rather than necessity. From commanding lakhs as India's pioneering VJ to charging modest fees as an accessible life coach, her story challenges conventional assumptions about success and financial priorities in the entertainment industry.
