MY budget: Prachi Desai

BUDGET & THE INDIVIDUAL

What were your Budget expectations?

I represent the entertainment industry of India and naturally, I was hoping that benefits will be given to it. But television and the film industry won't gain much from this year's Budget.

At the same time, any Budget should contribute to the overall growth of the country. Agricultural debt relief packages to farmers will make this Budget fit into the "popular" category.

How does it impact you professionally?

It doesn't really impact me directly but the reduction in customs duty on convergence products (set-top boxes, for instance) from 10 per cent to 5 per cent will ensure that more and more people will have access to my serials and films.

How will the Budget affect you personally and your family?

I am very thrilled that the Budget has raised the tax exemption for women to Rs 1,80,000. It reflects the changing attitude of our society where sops are given to working women. I'm also happy with the reduction in custom duty on life-saving drugs and I am grateful that the Finance Minister has made cigarettes much more expensive.

Prachi Desai TV actor