Summary of this article
Anurag Kashyap warns EMIs can restrict creative and financial freedom.
Ram Gopal Varma inspired him to avoid debt-driven life choices.
Expert advises limiting EMIs, saving wisely, and avoiding lifestyle pressure.
In today's world, EMIs often dictate people's choices and lifestyles. Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap mentions how film director Ram Gopal Varma once told him that taking an EMI can ultimately control one's life decisions.
Anurag Kashyap on How EMIs Can Control Your Life Choices
In a recent conversation with Komal Nahta on the YouTube show Game Changers, filmmaker Anurag Kashyap recalled how Ram Gopal Varma once shared an important lesson about financial freedom and creative choices. He recalled that Ramu ji, referring to filmmaker Ram Gopal Varma, once spoke about someone who bought a house right after their film's success, saying it would tie them down. When asked why, Ramu Ji replied, "Because now his EMI will decide his life choices."
He decided to live in a rented house and avoid taking loans that could limit his freedom or compel him to work only for financial reasons. Kashyap said he has followed this philosophy throughout his career, keeping his expenses low, avoiding unnecessary luxuries, and focusing on making the kind of films he truly believes in. "I even bought a Mahindra car and decided not to buy any expensive one or spend on things that would end up deciding my life choices," he added.
Kashyap said he carried the same approach into his filmmaking journey. He applied this mindset while producing his films.
"We started making films with that mindset," Kashyap said.
His first film as a producer was Aamir, directed by debutant Rajkumar Gupta and starring Rajeev Khandelwal, who was then known for his TV work. Gupta wanted to make the film, and UTV liked the script. The film was made for less than Rs 1.5 crore, with Kashyap even stepping in as a second-unit director for a day to save costs.
"EMI is a loop; once you're stuck in it, you start working for payments instead of passion," Anurag said, reflecting on the trap many creative professionals fall into. He believes people often compromise their vision to keep up with financial commitments. The mantra remains simple for him: minimise your needs and maximise your freedom.
Expert Shares Key Rules to Keep EMIs Under Control
Madhupam Krishna, SEBI RIA, WealthWisher Financial Planner and Advisors says, "It is an old corporate saying – take a large home loan, and you'll automatically fall in love with your job." He warns that when a large share of income goes toward EMIs, it restricts liquidity and limits the ability to save, invest, or handle financial shocks.
He advises keeping EMIs within 30–40 per cent of income, maintaining an emergency fund for 6–12 months (up to 18 months for irregular earners), and avoiding big purchases under social pressure to stay financially stable and flexible.
