Comedian Bharti Singh reveals EMI struggles, says side income is a MUST. when doorbell rings, she fears he could be a loan recovery agent

Time of India

30-05-2025

The world of
Indian television
is currently weathering a turbulent phase. Once known for churning out hit daily soaps and talk shows with mass appeal, the industry is now seeing a steady decline in both output and financial backing. Many shows are disappearing just months after they debut. This concerning trend was highlighted in a podcast featuring comedian couple
Haarsh Limbachiyaa
and
Bharti Singh
, along with actress
Reem Shaikh
. Their candid conversation shed light on how artists, even after years of contribution, are grappling with declining pay and professional uncertainty.
Reem Shaikh's Career Paradox: Success Without Stability
Reem Shaikh, a prominent figure in the television circuit for over 15 years, shared how her long-standing commitment and past successes haven't translated into the financial security one might expect. Despite delivering high ratings through popular shows like Raabta and several others, she confessed that the earnings she currently receives are nowhere near what she anticipated—once expecting around Rs 1.5 to Rs 2 lakh per episode. Due to massive cost cutbacks across the board, her compensation does not reflect the value or consistency of her work over the years.
Haarsh and Bharti's Reality: Loans Over Lavish Paychecks
Haarsh Limbachiyaa voiced deep concern over how drastically the TV ecosystem has shifted. According to him, few large-scale shows are being produced anymore, and financial constraints have become the new norm. He emphasized that even as hosts for leading networks like Colors and Sony, they don't receive the generous fees people assume. The couple explained that there's a common misconception that stars like them make Rs 20 to Rs 50 lakh per appearance, but the reality is far less glamorous.
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Undo
Bharti Singh added a humorous yet poignant twist, sharing that their household is surviving by taking loans. She remarked that they've been so reliant on borrowing money that even the milkman's arrival sparks anxiety, fearing it might be a debt collector at the door. The couple mentioned jokingly how they once saw a media article claiming that comedian Krushna Abhishek was earning Rs 35 lakh for a show. Haarsh called Krushna, asking if he could spare some of it.
TV's Technical Backbone Crumbles
Reem and Haarsh both acknowledged how reduced budgets are not just affecting actors but also the crew behind the scenes. Many directors, editors, and technicians have switched to YouTube to sustain themselves, unwilling to continue depending on television work that no longer offers financial reliability.
Another concerning shift, Reem pointed out, is how actors are now hired on monthly contracts rather than being paid per day. With salaries as low as Rs 50,000 per month and expectations to work 22–30 days straight, this model severely undercuts performers, especially those without supplemental income from brand deals or social media.
Dreams, Love, and Quiet Strength
Despite the instability, Reem remains emotionally grounded. She said she feels content with her career path but chooses not to engage in content creation on platforms like TikTok mply because it doesn't align with her interests. She noted that producers now prioritize social media popularity over acting skills, a factor that cost her a role in a web series.
When she tried stepping into films, she was turned away for being "too television." Though she never took a professional break, the struggle to transition was real.
On Matters of the Heart
Currently single, Reem described herself as a hopeless romantic with traditional values. She hopes to marry within the next five years, looking for someone who seeks emotional depth and long-term stability. She's open to arranged marriage and remains nostalgic about a past relationship from four years ago, admitting she hasn't fully moved on. However, she's in no rush. If she doesn't find the right partner, she plans to adopt a daughter and build a life filled with purpose and love.