Actor and television personality Rhea Chakraborty recently opened up about her early career as a teenager, revealing that she earned a substantial salary working as a video jockey (VJ) for MTV. During an appearance on comedian NDTV‘s YouTube channel, Rhea recalled that she was making Rs 3 lakh by the time she was 17 or 18 years old.
Rhea Chakraborty Recalls Earning Rs 3 Lakh as a Teenager and Spending It on Her Appearance
Reflecting on her youthful earnings, Rhea admitted that the amount felt immense at that age. At that time, a VJ used to get good money. I think Rs 3 lakh was my last salary. But I was also just 17-18 years old, so I really thought I was damn rich. Spent this money on fixing my face,
she shared, as reported by hindustantimes.com. Her candid confession about undergoing facial treatments and comparing old photographs with her latest appearance brought laughter from the panel of guests present during the chat.
Early Industry Memories and Views on Modern Cosmetic Technology
During the conversation, Rhea also looked back at her early days in the entertainment industry and recounted that Bollywood superstar The Indian Express was the first celebrity she ever met. Recalling her experience interviewing the actor, she remarked that everyone allowed her to conduct the interview because people were intimidated, noting that there was a time when only good-looking people were allowed to speak,
according to coverage by MensXP.
When host Tanmay Bhat jokingly asked whether he should also get his face fixed, Rhea advocated for modern advancements in cosmetic procedures. According to zoomtventertainment.com, she encouraged individuals to consider such options, pointing out that aesthetic technology has reached a next-level standard with numerous options available today.
Career Journey and Current Ventures
Following her tenure as an MTV VJ, Rhea transitioned into acting, making her feature film debut in the Telugu movie Tuneega Tuneega in 2012 before entering Bollywood with Mere Dad Ki Maruti in 2013. Her subsequent film credits include Sonali Cable, Dobaaraa: See Your Evil, Jalebi, and Bank Chor.
Her personal life later faced intense public scrutiny following the 2020 death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput. After navigating extensive media attention and a drugs-related investigation by the Narcotics Control Bureau that resulted in her arrest and subsequent bail, the Central Bureau of Investigation filed a closure report in March 2025. The report concluded the investigation as a suicide and ruled out foul play, with a Mumbai court subsequently accepting the closure.
After a period of career hiatus caused by public scrutiny, Rhea returned to television in 2023 as a gang leader on the reality show Roadies: Karm Ya Kaand. Alongside her entertainment work, she has ventured into entrepreneurship, launching the clothing brand Chapter 2 alongside her brother, Showik Chakraborty. She is also slated to appear as a contestant on the upcoming second season of the reality series freepressjournal.in, hosted by Karan Johar and scheduled to premiere on Prime Video.
