Radhika Gupta Opens Up on “Simple Hai!” About Money, Motherhood, and Mental Peace

In one of the most inspiring episodes of the finance podcast Simple Hai! hosted by senior journalist Vivek Law, Edelweiss Mutual Fund CEO Radhika Gupta shares deep, real, and relatable life lessons. From investing smartly for your child’s future to saying “no” to mental health, she speaks about everything, money, work, parenting, and being a woman leader in India today.

Fun Trivia
Fifteen years ago, Vivek Law interviewed Radhika for the first time on TV. Today, she leads an INR 1 lakh crore asset mutual fund. From then to now, her journey is full of lessons that every Indian, whether a student, parent, or investor, can learn from.

Life Is Chaotic and That’s Okay

When asked how she manages board meetings, new fund offers (NFOs), and raising a toddler simultaneously, Radhika Gupta calls her daily life “beautiful chaos.” She isn’t chasing perfection. She admits some days are tough and says it’s okay to ask for help, miss a few moments, and take a break.

Her parents taught her a powerful line: “Never panic, time gives answers.” This simple thought helps her push through exhausting road shows and sneak out of events to attend her son’s school function.

Mental Health First: Learn the Power of Saying “No”

Radhika Gupta doesn’t believe in overloading her calendar. She makes time for recovery, mentally, emotionally, and physically. Her weekends are sacred. Her rules are simple:

Good work is important. My child is important.
My parents are important. Nothing else matters.

Domestic travel, though exciting, is tiring. That’s why she unwinds, rests, and resets. She believes resilience is not about doing everything, it’s about doing only what matters.

Also read: Markets Love Patience, Not Fear: Kalpen Parekh’s Wealth Creation Secrets on The Simple Hai Show

FIRE Isn’t Her Dream, Work Is

While many discuss the FIRE dream (Financial Independence, Retire Early), Radhika has a different take.

Retire early to do what? she laughs.

Work brings her happiness. She’s seen her father stay sharp and active even after retirement. So, instead of running away from work, she finds joy in doing what she loves. That, according to her, is absolute freedom.

Also read: Why Every Indian Investor Needs to Hear Swarup Mohanty’s Story Right Now

Planning for Her Son’s Future: No Toys, Only SIPs

Both Radhika and her husband are finance professionals. Before their son Remy turned one, they had already set up his Aadhaar, PAN, passport, and demat account.

They started SIPs in:

• One large & mid-cap fund
• One small-cap fund
• One international fund (USD-based)

Why? Because they believe higher education, especially abroad, might cost INR 9–10 crore in 18 years. Her message is loud and clear: start early, stay simple, and be consistent.

She jokes, No more toys, gifts go straight into his SIP account!

Just 2–3 Funds Are Enough: Keep It Simple

New investors often feel lost. But Radhika breaks it down:

• Pick 2–3 strong mutual funds
• Choose according to your risk level
• Index funds, hybrid funds, or flexi-cap funds are great to begin with

She strongly advises against having 31 different SIPS. According to her, it’s like eating from too many restaurants when you only need a few favourites.

For Women, Money = Confidence and Freedom

Strong women raised Radhika, her mother and grandmother. That’s why she believes financial independence is non-negotiable for women.

She says TV panels that show only male financial experts send a bad message. “What will a 10-year-old girl think?” Even today, she is the only woman CEO in India’s mutual fund industry, but she sees change.

Young girls today are smarter, more aware, and hungry to learn about money. And Radhika is doing her bit to keep that fire alive.

Why Role Models Matter: Let’s Change the Script

Movies and shows often show women in finance as broken, selfish, or robotic. She talks about the show Bombay Begums and says it made her sad.

Why would a girl in Varanasi want to join finance after watching that?

But her life story, The Girl with the Broken Neck, went viral and touched thousands. From IAS officers to teenage girls, many messaged her to say how they found hope through her. That’s the power of honest storytelling, she says.

India’s Business Boom: Kids Now Talk Equity

After appearing on Shark Tank India, Radhika saw firsthand how even 7-year-olds talk about equity and business. India is changing from housing societies hosting mini Baby Shark Tanks to kids doing bake-sale business plans. This new generation is fearless, creative, and ready to take risks.

Roots and Strength: What Her Childhood Taught Her

Thanks to her diplomat father, Radhika grew up in Indian embassies worldwide. Despite living abroad, her home was filled with Indian values. Changing schools every few years taught her to adapt quickly, befriend strangers, and love diversity. That same energy helps her lead a top fund house today.

Live Like a Flame

Radhika signs off with beautiful lines by poet Sahir Ludhianvi:

Neither live hiding your face, nor live with your head bowed… As long as you live, live like a flame ignited.

Why You Must Listen

If you’re looking for motivation, money tips, or just a reminder that it’s okay to be human, especially a woman, this episode is for you. Radhika Gupta opens up like never before. She doesn’t preach. She speaks like a friend who’s figured out her own version of balance. Whether you’re a young investor, a parent planning for your child, a woman looking for role models, or someone simply trying to live a better life, this episode of Simple Hai! is unmissable.

Tune in to this episode, because The Simple Hai! Show might change your thoughts about money and life. Keep reading The Reelstars.

Disclaimer: This content is a repost of information originally shared on a different platform. Market investments are subject to risks. The Reelstars is not responsible for any financial decisions or outcomes resulting from this information. Please consult a financial advisor before making investment choices.