John Githui, popularly known for his role as Ras in the hit TV show Mother-in-Law, recently defended celebrities who struggle financially despite their public fame. In a candid interview, the actor shared some hard truths about the entertainment industry, explaining that fame does not always equate to wealth. He highlighted the fact that many celebrities, despite being widely recognized, face significant financial challenges. For instance, Githui pointed out that some actors earn as little as KSh 20,000 per month, which often does not meet the cost of living, leading to struggles even for those who appear to be successful.
According to Ras, the misconception that being on TV guarantees wealth is a widespread issue. He described a reality where celebrities can be walking in the streets hungry, despite their popularity on screen. This harsh truth, he said, is often misunderstood by the public, leading to judgments about celebrities’ lifestyles. He mentioned that many artists, as a result of financial stress, suffer from depression, and their struggles can sometimes be misinterpreted as a desire to party or drink excessively.
Ras also opened up about how his own financial difficulties had once taken a toll on his mental health. He shared that during particularly tough times, he developed a bad attitude towards fans who would approach him, not knowing the personal struggles he was enduring. Despite the challenges, Ras acknowledged that the fans were only trying to express their admiration, which made his negative reactions all the more frustrating.
Another aspect of the conversation that Ras brought up was the disparity in pay between TV anchors and actors. He questioned why TV anchors tend to earn more than actors, despite the fact that actors often do the bulk of the work in terms of on-screen performances. This disparity further exacerbates the financial challenges faced by many in the entertainment industry.
The interview sparked a lively conversation on social media, with many users sharing their thoughts on the struggles faced by celebrities. Some users sympathized with Ras, acknowledging that financial challenges are common across various professions, not just in entertainment. One user pointed out that university lecturers often earn around KSh 30,000, which is comparable to what some celebrities make, and that it is important to make the most of what one earns. Others advised celebrities to save and invest wisely, emphasizing the importance of financial management, regardless of the amount of money one earns.
However, not everyone was sympathetic to the struggles of celebrities. Some users suggested that fame could be leveraged to create additional income streams, such as starting businesses or selling products online. With a large following, Ras and other celebrities could potentially use their influence to generate extra income, the critics argued. There was also the suggestion that many celebrities fail to take advantage of their fame to diversify their income sources, often choosing to maintain a high-profile lifestyle instead of starting small businesses or investments.
Overall, Ras’s comments have brought to light the often-overlooked realities of fame. While it may appear glamorous from the outside, the financial struggles of celebrities are real, and fame does not always lead to financial security. His openness about these issues has sparked an important discussion about financial literacy, the need for saving, and the challenges that come with public recognition. Celebrities, like anyone else, need to manage their finances wisely to ensure long-term stability, and perhaps, finding ways to utilize their fame for additional income could be a viable solution.
