In an industry where glamour often overshadows reality, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai star Samridhii Shukla stands out. She offers a candid take on money, work, and balance. The actress began earning as a child. She says financial independence and discipline keep her grounded in the unpredictability of showbiz.
Samridhii recalled her earliest memory of earning, which came when she was just five or six years old. “The first time I earned money was only conveyance money. I couldn’t audition properly, didn’t get the part, but I was given ₹200. I was a child back then, but even then I understood the value of money,” she shared.
She credits this awareness to the financial challenges her family faced while growing up. “I never nagged or pestered my parents for anything. Maybe because I was very conscious about the circumstances at home. I wanted to start earning early. I aimed to fund my education. I also wanted to reduce the weight on my father. He was the sole earner. Whatever I earned as a minor was kept in an account managed by my mother. I used it only for emergencies or education,” she said.
Calling money ‘energy,’ the actress highlighted the importance of being financially disciplined. “As actors, we live a very volatile life. We don’t know how long a project will last or what pay we will get next. For me, financial independence means being able to sustain my lifestyle even when I am not working. That’s why I believe in saving and investing. Our parents’ generation didn’t have much financial exposure, but today we do. Every actor should have something like an SIP or PPF to secure the future,” she advised.
Talking about the present-day work culture, Samridhii highlighted that the struggle to maintain work-life balance is widespread. It isn’t confined to the entertainment industry. “Even my sister, who works in a marketing agency, is working round the clock. In a city like Mumbai, where sustaining yourself is expensive, whether you’re in corporate or entertainment, the pressure is constant. On top of that, doomscrolling on social media has made people lose track of time. But despite the long hours, I genuinely love my work,” she said.
Despite working 12-hour shifts, plus long commutes, Samridhii tries to make the most of her time. “During travel, I catch up with podcasts or what’s happening around the world. I avoid phone calls and enjoy being with myself. I usually get only 5–7 hours of sleep, which I know isn’t healthy. Honestly, I don’t think I’m the best person to give time management tips. Still, I try to balance it all,” she smiled.
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