Anushka Sharma advocates for financial independence in relationships to avoid dependency stigma

Photo Collected

A+ A A-

Bollywood actress Anushka Sharma’s long-standing commitment to financial independence has resurfaced in public discourse, as a viral video from 2011 offers a window into the star’s fiercely autonomous approach to relationships. Long before her high-profile marriage to cricketer Virat Kohli, Sharma made it clear that she rejects the traditional dynamics of financial dependence, opting instead for a strict policy of splitting bills and avoiding the perceived weight of accepting gifts from men.

In the resurfaced clip, filmed during the promotion of her film *Ladies vs. Ricky Bahl* alongside co-star Ranveer Singh, Sharma recounts her discomfort with receiving gifts during her early dating years. Describing her reaction as a form of “cheap behavior,” she admitted that she would go to great lengths to uncover the price of any gift she received, only to purchase an item of equal or greater value to give back to the sender. She explained that this ritual was born from a desire to remain on equal footing, ensuring that no partner could ever claim to have spent money on her.

The actress maintained that this philosophy extended to her dating life, where she insisted on splitting the bill. According to Sharma, she felt a profound sense of unease if a man covered the entire cost of a date, preferring instead to either pay for everything herself or divide the expenses equally. This unwavering stance, she noted, was rooted in a deep-seated need to maintain her agency and avoid the baggage that she felt came with financial inequality in romantic pairings.

Actress Apu Biswas Captures Social Media Attention With Regal Photo Shoot

Read More

Psychologists observing the discourse around the video suggest that Sharma’s behavior reflects a common trait among highly independent women who experience a sense of “indebtedness” when accepting gifts. This self-protective mechanism is often a response to societal pressures, where women strive to preemptively dismantle potential accusations of being “gold diggers” or being subjected to power imbalances. By reciprocating immediately, such individuals aim to balance the scales and preserve their autonomy.

Since her marriage to Kohli in 2017 and her transition into motherhood, Sharma has remained a figure of inspiration for many young women. While she has navigated the scrutiny that often accompanies high-profile marriages, her early declarations serve as a reminder of the consistent values that have defined her career. Her insistence on financial self-reliance continues to resonate with fans, highlighting a narrative of empowerment that prioritizes personal dignity above all else.