In the 1990s, Ruby Bhatia was among the most recognisable faces on Indian television. Known as India's first video jockey (VJ), she became popular through television shows, celebrity interviews and high-profile events. At a time when television presenters were becoming household names, Ruby built a successful career and enjoyed the attention that came with fame.
However, just when her career was flourishing, she made a decision that surprised many: she stepped away from the entertainment industry. Instead of continuing to chase celebrity status, she chose spirituality, family life and personal fulfilment.
Years later, Ruby's journey is once again attracting attention after she spoke about her changed lifestyle, the professional opportunities she declined and her decision to prioritise a quieter existence. In a recent conversation on The Open Question podcast with Anuradha Exwaized, she discussed how dramatically her everyday life has changed since her television days.
From Miss India Canada to India's First VJ
Ruby Bhatia was born in Canada to Indian parents. Her early life and experiences shaped her interest in identity, culture and spirituality. She participated in the Miss India Canada pageant and won the title, which eventually opened the doors to opportunities in India.
She moved to Mumbai and began exploring modelling and television. Her communication skills and on-screen confidence helped her establish herself as a presenter. She became widely recognised as India's first VJ and hosted shows such as BPL Oye.
Ruby also anchored major entertainment events, including the Filmfare Awards, and interviewed several well-known personalities. Her television presence made her a familiar face during the 1990s, when music television and celebrity programming were gaining popularity.
Her career brought considerable financial success. In later interviews, she recalled earning around Rs 1 lakh per show during her professional peak. She had people assisting her with makeup and everyday tasks, a lifestyle very different from the one she follows today.
Why Ruby Bhatia Left Showbiz at the Peak of Her Career
Ruby's decision to leave the entertainment industry was not simply about changing professional interests. She has repeatedly explained that she was searching for deeper meaning and answers about life.
In earlier interviews, she described feeling divided between two identities: the glamorous television personality recognised by audiences and the spiritually inclined person who wanted a quieter life.
She had developed an interest in spirituality at a young age. In a conversation with The Indian Express, she recalled that she began thinking about liberation and the purpose of life when she was just 18. Even after achieving success in television, those questions remained important to her.
She eventually took a break from public life and spent time in meditation and spiritual practice. Ruby has described spending two years in silence and intense meditation while trying to understand herself and find direction.
Her journey also involved a period of association with ISKCON, where she found a spiritual routine that helped her balance professional commitments with devotion. However, she later spoke about the emotional difficulty of moving away from that phase.
Marriage, Family and a New Chapter
Ruby's personal life has also seen significant changes. She was previously married to singer Nitin Bali, but the marriage ended in divorce after a few years.
Later, she met Ajit, whom she has described as her spiritual companion and husband. The two eventually married and started a family. Ruby is now a mother of two sons.
Motherhood brought a completely different set of responsibilities. The former television star, who once had assistance for everyday activities, now manages household responsibilities and spends much of her time caring for her children.
Speaking on The Open Question podcast, she recalled how difficult the transition was. She said that she sometimes found it hard to adjust to doing everything herself, from cleaning the house to looking after her children.
She also shared that the early years of motherhood were particularly challenging. Managing children's education and household responsibilities became demanding, eventually leading her to choose homeschooling
Ruby Bhatia Rejected Bigg Boss Twice and a Rs 1 Crore Film Offer
One of the most surprising revelations from Ruby's recent interview was that she had turned down the reality show Bigg Boss on two occasions.
She revealed that the first offer came before her marriage, at a time when she was observing a period of silence. The second time, she considered the opportunity but eventually decided against participating because she did not connect with the show's format.
Ruby also spoke about rejecting lucrative professional assignments. According to her, she once received a film offer worth Rs 1 crore but declined it because she did not want to invest the time and energy required for the project.
Her decision reflects how her priorities have changed. During her television career, professional opportunities and financial rewards were important. Today, she places greater value on personal time, family responsibilities and maintaining a peaceful routine.
From Celebrity VJ to Life Coach
Ruby has not completely withdrawn from professional life. She now works as a life coach, helping women with areas such as personal development, happiness, weight management and finding balance in everyday life.
In earlier interviews, she explained that she deliberately keeps her fees affordable because she wants more people to benefit from her experience. She has also spoken about earning considerably less than she did during her television career, but considers the flexibility and satisfaction of her current work more important.
Her approach to coaching is connected to the personal experiences and spiritual journey she has had over the years. Rather than returning to the demanding schedule of television appearances, she prefers work that allows her to maintain control over her time.
A Simple Lifestyle Away From the Limelight
Ruby's present lifestyle is very different from the glamorous world she once inhabited. She has said that she does not employ domestic help and manages household responsibilities herself. She also uses a basic mobile phone to limit distractions and stay away from the constant demands of the digital world.
Her social media presence remains relatively limited compared with that of many entertainment personalities. She occasionally shares motivational content and thoughts related to personal growth.
Ruby's journey is an example of a former television personality choosing a different definition of success. She once enjoyed recognition, financial rewards and a prominent place in the entertainment industry. Today, she appears more interested in family, spirituality and meaningful work.
Her story is not simply about leaving showbiz; it is about changing priorities and building a life that reflects her own choices. For audiences who remember her as one of Indian television's pioneering VJs, her transformation offers a glimpse into what happened after the cameras stopped rolling.
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