Mumbai: Once a trailblazing face of Indian television, Ruby Bhatia, celebrated as the country’s first Video Jockey (VJ), has embraced a quieter, more purposeful chapter of life. The energetic host who ruled the airwaves in the 1990s with her vibrant personality and iconic shows now works as a life coach, earning a fraction of her former fees but finding deeper fulfillment.
In her heyday, Ruby was a household name. She hosted popular music shows like BPL Oye, anchored high-profile events including the Filmfare Awards, and commanded premium rates in an era when the VJ culture was just taking off in India. At her peak, she charged around Rs 1 lakh per show for anchoring assignments, a remarkable sum that underscored her status as one of the most sought-after personalities in the emerging television entertainment scene.
Today, at 52, Ruby’s earnings look very different. As a life coach, she charges between Rs 1,000 for a one-month starter program to Rs 5,000 for a year-long engagement. On an average day, handling two to three client calls, she earns roughly Rs 2,000 to Rs 3,000. While this covers her daily expenses, she has clarified that she remains financially stable with assets including property, a home, a car, and fixed deposits.
The shift, she explains, was a conscious choice driven by life’s evolving priorities. Ruby stepped back from the limelight around the age of 30 to focus on her marriage and children. The high-energy demands of live anchoring — “giving energy to 500 people” — often left her exhausted and short-tempered at home. The pandemic further tested her resilience, leading to a nervous breakdown and a realization that her sharpness and stamina had changed with time.
In recent interviews, Ruby reflected candidly on her journey: “Things are not the same anymore. I am not who I used to be… If I had the same focus today, I could earn lakhs again. But then I wouldn’t be able to see my children or manage my home.”
Her transition into life coaching feels natural. For over 25 years, she has informally helped women dealing with anxiety, weight loss, personality development, and meditation. Now, she offers these services professionally, making them accessible to everyday people rather than limiting them to celebrities. She prefers this meaningful work that allows her to balance family life in Mumbai’s Lokhandwala area.
Ruby has not completely shut the door on her entertainment past. She remains open to anchoring events again, but only on standard industry terms and her own schedule. Her unconventional views extend to parenting as well — she has opted against traditional schooling for her children, relying instead on the vast resources available online, including tools like ChatGPT.
Ruby Bhatia’s story resonates with many from the 1990s generation who grew up watching her. It reflects the transient nature of fame in the entertainment industry, the importance of personal priorities, and the courage to redefine success on one’s own terms. From commanding the stage to guiding lives one conversation at a time, she embodies a powerful message: sometimes, stepping back is the real step forward.
About The Author
