Actors recall the joy of receiving their first paycheck!

         Actors recall the joy of receiving their first paycheck!

Most of us put a lot of thought into how we want to spend our first salary, and it holds a special place for everyone. &TV artists, who began their careers with humble salaries, walk down memory lane to share the stories of their first paychecks. These include Smita Sable (Dhaniya from Bheema), Ashutosh Kulkarni (Krishan Bihari Vajpayee from Atal), Yogesh Tripathi (Daroga Happu Singh from Happu Ki Ultan Paltan), and Shubhangi Atre (Angoori Bhabi from Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai). Smita Sable, who plays Dhaniya in &TV’s Bheema, says, “Before stepping into acting, I worked as a model for a brand portfolio shoot. I was quite young, and I vividly remember receiving my first salary of Rs. 1500 after working for the entire day. Though it wasn’t a big amount, it felt like a huge accomplishment. As soon as I got home, I gave the entire amount to my mother as a gift, telling her she could spend it however she wished. I still remember the tears of joy in her eyes and the pride she felt. That day, she also cooked my favourite meal, and I felt immensely blessed." Ashutosh Kulkarni, who portrays Krishan Bihari Vajpayee in Atal, shares, “I still remember the day I received my first paycheck from Pune’s Akashwani Radio Station. I was a 14-year-old schoolboy working as a  voice actor and earned ₹2500 for my role. At that age, the amount felt enormous, and I was filled with pride knowing I had earned it on my own. The first thing I did was buy a beautiful saree for my mother. She has always been my biggest support and gifting her something special was my way of saying thank you. I also bought a pen for my father as a symbol of respect for his guidance and wisdom. That day taught me the joy of giving and how much happiness comes from seeing your loved ones smile because of you. It was a small step in my career, but it meant the world to me, and that experience still holds a special place in my heart.”

 

Yogesh Tripathi, who portrays Daroga Happu Singh in Happu Ki Ultan Paltan, shares, “I can never forget the moment I received my first salary. It was Rs. 600, and I earned it while doing a theatre play. Back then, it wasn’t just about following my passion for acting; that money was essential to make ends meet. Life was challenging, and every rupee mattered. Theatre and street plays were not just my creative outlet; they were a lifeline. Earning 600 rupees was important for me. It wasn’t much, but it helped me cover basic needs and gave me the strength to keep going. Those days taught me the value of hard work and persistence. Every performance, no matter how small the stage, was a stepping stone toward something bigger. That first paycheck will always remind me of where I started and the struggles that shaped me into the person and actor I am today.” Shubhangi Atre, who plays Angoori Bhabi in Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai, shares, “I still remember the excitement of receiving my first salary. It was a humble amount of Rs. 300 when I was in class 12, but it holds immense sentimental value for me. I earned it by teaching dance to a group of students. Dance has always been a passion of mine and sharing it with others was an incredibly fulfilling experience. At that time, it wasn’t about the money; it was about the joy of seeing my students learn and grow and knowing that I could contribute to their progress. That amount might seem small in monetary terms, but it symbolized my first step toward independence and the realization that my skills could make a difference in someone’s life. I often look back at that moment with pride because it was the beginning of my journey, which has brought me to where I am today. It taught me the value of hard work, dedication, and the joy of pursuing my passion.”

Watch your favourite artists in Atal at 8:00 pm, Bheema at 8:30 pm, Hapu Ki Ultan Paltan at 10:00 pm, and Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai at 10:30 pm, airing every Monday to Friday only on &TV!