By Oindrila Muhuri Last Updated:
Sidharth Bhardwaj is a VJ, model and actor. He began his career in the entertainment industry in 2009 after participating in the dating television reality show, MTV Splitsvilla 2. Afterwards, Sidharth made his acting debut in Bollywood with the film, Kuku Mathur Ki Jhand Ho Gayi, but it failed at the box office. Later, he also became the second runner-up in the reality show, Bigg Boss 5 in 2011-2012 and participated in Colors TV's Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi 6 in 2015. But he has already left India to pursue a career as a stand-up comic in the US. Now, in an interview, Sidharth opened up about his financial struggles in the industry.
In an interview, Sidharth Bhardwaj revealed his financial situation during his stint on the show, Bigg Boss 5. The actor mentioned how he was offered a minimal amount of money as his fees for his stint on the show. This was because the producers had already understood that Sidharth needed money right then. In addition, he revealed how he was never a rich person in reality. Sidharth said:
“Bigg Boss didn’t give me big money because they understood I was in need of the show. I was like don’t give me money but don’t lie atleast. My financial condition was decent. I did Bigg Boss, a few shows and then events. But I was never a rich guy in India."
Also Read: Alia Bhatt Gives Cutie Chic Vibes In A Heart-Shaped Cardigan Worth Rs. 82K, Hides Face From Paps
Further, Sidharth mentioned how it was difficult for him to sustain himself with the Mumbai lifestyle. He revealed that his financial condition had improved after he started getting work in the industry. However, to cope with the kind of lifestyle those work required, he couldn't improve his financial condition completely. He added:
"It is expensive and there is always some kind of exploitation going on. When I started working as a VJ, my financial condition improved than what it was back then when I was working in a call centre. But also, the lifestyle stepped up. The money that was coming, was also going to keep up with the lifestyle. I had taken a house and a car. Being in the industry, you have to network with the celebs and you would have to pay the bills and all.”
Further, Sidharth recalled his early days in showbiz and mentioned that he used to work at a call centre with a very little amount of salary. Afterwards, he also arranged for an advertisement shoot for Rs. 3000. He elaborated:
“I was getting Rs 17K in the call centre. They were offering 13-14K, but I convinced them to make it a bit higher. That time, during the lunch breaks, I would go and audition. I had gotten an ad then and was paid Rs. 3000. It was a lot for me.”
Also Read: Dipika Kakar Reveals Her Challenges During Third Trimester Of Pregnancy, 'When You Shift A Little..'
Continue reading below
With his debut show, MTV Splitsvilla 2, in the industry, Sidharth was also able to bag the winning title and prize money of Rs. 5,00,000 along with Sakshi Pradhan. However, his journey on the reality show was also accidental, and he continued doing it due to financial struggles. Earlier, in another interview with the ETimes, he mentioned how his sister, Jaya was trying for the show, when he got an entry. However, he continued working on the show to improve his financial condition. In Sidharth's words:
“Gareebi. Honestly, I didn’t have money back. I was working at a call centre and I was almost getting thrown out of that place. I got into a fight. My sister (Jaya) uploaded my pictures for Splitsvilla. Actually, she wanted to participate so she uploaded hers too. But she was not 18 that time and I was 21. So I got through. They were taking us to Goa. And the financial condition I was in, I knew I would be able to make it to Goa in 200 years. I was going there for free. I thought I would hit a jackpot if I win the prize money of Rs 5 lakh. Luckily, I won it. In 2009, Rs 5 lakh was a lot.”
What do you think about Sidharth's revelations about his financial condition? Let us know!
Next Read: Milind Chandwani's GF, Avika Gor Reveals Manish Asked Her To Stop Talking Post Their Dating Rumours
advertisement
advertisement
advertisement