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Amala Akkineni
To me, money is impermanent.
It's there. It's meant to be used. Money is also energy--a form of energy. I don't consider it an evil at all. It depends on your perspective. Money is just pure energy. Use it selfishly, use it productively...
The truth is, money for me is something by which to get things done. I follow Buddha's teachings. I'm into meditation. I don't need a lot. It's like my car is employment for my driver. It's there, so whoever needs a lift gets a lift. I would be as happy on my TVS now as when I started out--honestly.
Oh no, I'm not money savvy. I depend on my chartered accountant for advice totally. My accounts are always empty, and they say, oh, if you give Amala any money, she's bound to give it away to some charity. So now they don't even tell me when the cheques come in--they just invest it and say fine, we'll give you the interest.
I didn't even get to blow up my first salary. Got a number of things we--Mom and I--needed for the house. It gave me a wonderful sense ofsatisfaction though.
I have a lot of respect for money. I compare it to talking. It can bring people together or destroy relationships.
I would like to impart to my son whatever I've learnt. But I also think he'll figure it out for himself.
I think I'm balanced. Neither a miser nor a spendthrift. It's not pleasure or pain--I spend clinically. When I save it, I get more satisfaction. Actually, I don't go on impulses. But yes, I did go to Tirupati and shave my head when I turned 30. Just grateful for my life so far, I would like to shave my head every six months.
Nag is not a southern superstar. He's just Nag to me. He's a caring and honest human being. A good father. My biggest teacher, my friend, my guide. It's wonderful being Nag's wife. There is no insecurity about money. I love the sunset, sunrise, the ocean, climbing mountains. Any beach is my favourite.
My Mom is Irish, and I love Ireland--people are so simple and open there. Nag and I share a similar taste in loving nature. Money cannot buyall that.
-- As told to Punam Mohandas
Copyright © 1999 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
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This story was printed from Net Express located at http://www.expressindia.com. Net Express provides a portal to India, with news from The Indian Express and The Financial Express along with sites on travel and tourism, the entertainment industry, the power sector, the environment and much more.
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