This is an archive article published on May 26, 2024

Farah Khan proves this actor is the most ‘kanjoos’ person in Bollywood: ‘There is only one person…’

Frugality is a valuable trait, but when it becomes an obsession with saving and a refusal to spend, it can cross the line into miserliness. Let us understand what the reasons behind it are and how to overcome them.

Farah Khan will grace an upcoming episode of The Great Indian Kapil Show. (Source: Farah Khan Kunder/ Instagram)

3 min readNew DelhiMay 26, 2024 12:45 PM IST First published on: May 26, 2024 at 12:45 PM IST

Bollywood filmmaker and choreographer Farah Khan revealed the industry’s most “kanjoos” person during her appearance on The Great Indian Kapil Show alongside actor Anil Kapoor. When host Kapil Sharma asked who was more frugal between her and Kapoor, Khan asserted that both are generous.

Khan then playfully exposed who she considers the most “kanjoos” in Bollywood. Live on air, she called the person in question and requested 500 rupees. “There’s only one person,” Khan declared, “Chunky Panday. I swear!” After connecting with Panday, Khan put him on speakerphone and asked, “Chunky, listen, I need 500 rupees.” Panday’s response added to the lighthearted moment, who replied humorously, “Who do you want to talk to?”

Frugality is a valuable trait, but when it becomes an obsession with saving and a refusal to spend, it can cross the line into miserliness. This behavior, also known as stinginess, can have a significant negative impact on a person’s life, according to Nishtha Khurana, a Counselling Psychologist and City Lead- Pune for Lissun, a mental health startup.

What are the reasons for being ‘kanjoos’?

Fear and Scarcity: One of the major reasons for miserliness is past financial hardship. People who have gone through difficult economic times may develop a deep-seated fear of scarcity. Even after those hard times have passed, the anxiety and worry can linger, leading them to hold onto their money excessively.

Anxiety and Negative Thinking: Miserliness can also stem from anxieties that aren’t necessarily rooted in reality. Even financially secure individuals might exhibit this behavior due to excessive worry about potential financial instability. Negative thinking patterns surrounding money can lead to a constant state of stress and a reluctance to spend, even when it’s reasonable.

How miserliness isolates and hinders

A person’s miserly tendencies can significantly impact their personal and professional lives. Their inability to spend or participate in shared experiences can create a negative perception among friends and family, according to Khurana.

This social isolation can further diminish their well-being. Professionally, opportunities for growth and success can be limited due to an unwillingness to invest in themselves or participate in networking activities.

Nature vs. Nurture: Is there a miser gene?

A 2010 study suggests a possible genetic component to miserliness. Researchers found that one in four people might carry a gene linked to financial tightness, making them less inclined to donate to charity or spend freely. However, Khurana emphasised that environmental influences and life events often play a larger role.

Miserliness can also be a learned behavior, she pointed out. Someone who witnessed their family struggle financially during their upbringing might develop an inherent fear of running out of money. This can lead to a constant state of anxiety and hinder their ability to spend comfortably.

The key to overcoming miserliness lies in helping individuals understand the difference between responsible frugality and unhealthy stinginess. Khurana suggests focusing on building self-esteem and self-worth to create a more positive outlook on money and generosity.