Actor Madhavan asked banker what many Indian couples avoid talking about. 'Many outside the family take money away...'

Money is often considered one of the most important factors in a relationship, yet many couples hesitate to have open conversations about finances. A recent discussion between actor R Madhavan and banker Sarthak Ahuja highlighted how communication between partners can play a crucial role in protecting wealth and making better financial decisions, and preventing wealth from being taken away by outsiders.

During an interview for the 100 Year Life Project by ACKO, R Madhavan asked Ahuja whether gender influences the way people handle money, especially when dealing with large financial gains or family wealth. Responding to the question, Ahuja said there is a noticeable difference in how men and women often approach money management. He acknowledged that some people may avoid discussing such differences due to concerns around stereotyping, but said his experience with clients, families and family businesses in India shows distinct patterns.

Why couples need open money conversations

Ahuja highlighted that money often gets influenced by people outside the immediate family, and many times outsiders end up taking away wealth. According to him, the best way to protect finances is for couples to have clear conversations with each other and treat their relationship as the primary decision-making unit.


He explained that husbands and wives often spend significant amounts of time with people outside the family, especially when both partners are working, and those interactions can influence financial choices. Ahuja emphasised that maintaining trust and open communication between spouses can help families make stronger financial decisions and safeguard their long-term wealth.

How do men and women handle finances differently?

According to Ahuja, men who focus on expanding businesses are often willing to take bigger risks. He explained that they may take bank loans or invest heavily to set up new ventures or large projects. At the same time, he said women in many households often take on the role of creating financial security by quietly setting aside savings in safer assets such as gold or fixed deposits.


Ahuja shared an example of a client whose wife created a financial discipline around his love for cars. She told him that every time he decided to purchase a car, he would also have to buy gold of an equal value. This meant that every time the husband bought a car, he had to buy her gold for which he had to build savings. Ahuja said women often provide a balancing force in families because risk-taking also requires someone to safeguard wealth.