Smriti Irani Charges ₹14 Lakh Per Episode, Becomes Highest-Paid Actor On Indian Television With Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 Comeback

Smriti Irani has made a grand return to television, reprising her iconic role as Tulsi Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2. With her comeback, she has also set a new industry benchmark by becoming the highest-paid actor on Indian television, reportedly charging ₹14 lakh per episode. This figure surpasses top TV stars Rupali Ganguly, who earns around ₹3 lakh per episode for Anupamaa, and Hina Khan, who makes up to ₹2 lakh per episode.

Confirming the news to CNN-News18, Smriti said such remuneration is justified for professionals who consistently deliver strong results. She explained that it sets a benchmark for others, proving that if one can deliver on history, numbers, and revenue, they deserve the right to negotiate accordingly. “I’m a part of a union, so the first thing I do is actually have my union number registered. We all are part of a larger organisation and flow of work. For one person to stand up and say listen, not only pay parity, I beat the boys and the girls and how much I make—that is a lot of hard work,” she stated.

Smriti also spoke about her ability to uplift others in the industry, saying, “The idea is that one is truly the star or do they have the professional capacity to make stars around them and I think I have it in me. I have the capacity to make stars out of others who are with me.” She elaborated that if there is a Tulsi, then co-star Amar Upadhyay creates his own market, and similarly, other actors enhance their economic value by being part of the project.

Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 features Smriti and Amar in the lead, alongside Hiten Tejwani, Gauri Pradhan, Rohit Suchanti, Shagun Sharma, Aman Gandhi, Tanisha Mehta, Ankit Bhatia, and Prachi Singh in pivotal roles.

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