Ruby Bhatia Opens Up On Leaving Fame For Spiritual Path At 18

Former television VJ Ruby Bhatia has reflected on her unconventional journey from early fame in the entertainment industry to a life deeply rooted in spirituality, describing how her pursuit of inner peace shaped her personal and professional choices over the decades.

Speaking on the Veriinteresting Podcast, Bhatia said her inclination towards spirituality began as early as 18, when she consciously chose what she described as a form of “sanyas,” expressing a desire to pursue higher philosophical goals rather than material ambition. She said her idea of ultimate success was “moksha,” or liberation, which led her towards studying spirituality and philosophy at a young age.

Despite this early renunciation, her career took a dramatic turn when she entered Indian television and quickly rose to fame at the age of 20. She became a popular face on shows such as BPL Oye and the Filmfare Awards, achieving widespread recognition in a short span of time. Bhatia described this phase as paradoxical, noting that she had renounced worldly ambition only to find herself experiencing significant professional success.

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At 22, she married singer Nitin Bali, but the marriage ended within a few years. She acknowledged that she was not emotionally prepared for marriage at the time, describing it as a period of personal confusion amid rapid life changes. Later, she became associated with ISKCON, which she said brought her a sense of stability and spiritual fulfilment while balancing her media career.

However, family concerns and personal struggles led her to step away from the organisation, a decision she described as emotionally difficult. Bhatia said this period was followed by a severe mental health crisis in her early 30s, during which she felt disconnected despite professional success and public recognition.

Her search for deeper meaning led her to explore multiple spiritual traditions and teachers, including the Dalai Lama, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Sadhguru, and Mata Amritanandamayi. Eventually, she said she found clarity in the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda and the Self-Realization Fellowship, dedicating herself to intensive meditation practice for a period of two years.

Bhatia later re-entered public life after finding what she described as balance between spirituality and worldly responsibilities. She eventually married again and is now a mother of two, while also working as a life coach focused on women’s personal development.

Now 52, she says her current focus is on meaningful service and accessible coaching work, often keeping her fees minimal to ensure wider reach. Her journey, she suggests, reflects an ongoing search for equilibrium between fame, faith, and personal fulfilment.

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