India’s first VJ worked with Bollywood’s biggest stars, judged future Miss Worlds with Aishwarya Rai & Sushmita Sen. Then left it all for spirituality

Fame often comes with noise, attention and endless ambition. But for Ruby Bhatia, one of Indian television’s most recognisable early faces, success eventually led her in the opposite direction, towards silence, spirituality and self-discovery. Once India’s first-ever video jockey who interviewed legends like Amitabh Bachchan and shared pageant stages with Aishwarya Rai and Sushmita Sen, Ruby chose to walk away from stardom at just 30.

Today, she lives a quiet, grounded life, far removed from television studios and red carpets.

Ruby Bhatia: The Woman Who Defined an Era on Indian TV

Ruby Bhatia became a household name in the 1990s, long before social media and streaming platforms existed. Born and raised in Canada to Indian parents, she moved to Mumbai after winning the Miss India Canada title, an event she says she entered “just like that”, without any larger ambition.


Her life changed almost overnight. Ruby found herself hosting shows, interacting with celebrities, and eventually becoming the sole VJ of Channel V during its early days. In a conversation with Siddharth Kannan on his YouTube channel, Ruby recalled, “I got exposure beyond imagination. I met everyone, from common people to Amitabh Bachchan.”

Facing Racism, Identity Struggles and Early Life Challenges

Behind the glamorous image was a young woman navigating deep personal struggles. Ruby revealed that growing up in Canada wasn’t easy. As one of the only Indian students in her school, she faced racism and bullying, especially when she wore Indian clothes during festivals.

Those experiences, she says, shaped her resilience and emotional strength. “All of this helped me grow,” she shared during the interview.

Pageants, MTV and Becoming India’s First Video Jockey

Interestingly, Ruby had no idea what VJ-ing even meant when she auditioned for MTV. With a background in philosophy and a deep interest in spirituality, television was never her goal. Yet fate had different plans.

She later clarified that while she did not compete in the same beauty pageant as Aishwarya Rai and Sushmita Sen, she was invited as a chief guest and judge at a sub-pageant, where she crowned one of the winners.

Marriage, Divorce and Finding Love Again in an Ashram

During her Channel V days, Ruby married singer Nitin Bali. The relationship, however, ended within two years. Reflecting on it, she admitted they were too young and emotionally unprepared.

Years later, Ruby found love again, this time in an ashram. She met Ajith, who she describes as her guru, husband and life partner. The two now have children and share a deeply spiritual bond.

Why Ruby Bhatia Quit Fame at the Peak of Her Career

At the height of her popularity, Ruby made a decision that shocked many, she stepped away from television. Living in Mumbai felt overwhelming, intrusive and disconnected from the life she truly wanted.

“I was living two lives,” she told Siddharth Kannan. A devout ISKCON follower by belief and a glamorous VJ by profession, the inner conflict became unbearable. A personal breakdown finally pushed her to choose meaning over fame.

Acting, TV Serials and Honest Confessions

Ruby also tried her hand at acting, appearing in popular shows like Kasauti Zindagi Kii and films such as Chori Chori Chupke Chupke, Main Prem Ki Deewani Hoon and Halla Bol. She openly admitted that some roles didn’t align with her values but were taken for financial reasons.

She also spoke candidly about professional differences with actor Ronit Roy, maintaining honesty without bitterness.

Life Today: Coaching, Motherhood and Contentment

Today, Ruby Bhatia works as a life coach, helping people with wellness, weight loss, emotional balance and personal growth. She homeschools her two sons, creates motivational content, and leads a self-sufficient life without the trappings of celebrity.

“I am very happy to be out of the limelight,” she said. “I love helping people.”

Looking Back Without Regret

Ruby believes she experienced the best of both worlds, fame without losing herself completely. She admits she was never comfortable with the expectations of glamour in Bollywood and feels grateful she chose a different path.

From interviewing icons to embracing inner peace, Ruby Bhatia’s journey is a rare reminder that success doesn’t always mean staying in the spotlight, it sometimes means knowing when to step away.

Inputs from agencies