Smriti Irani, following a distinguished stint in politics, has made a high-profile return to television, reportedly becoming the highest-paid female actor in Indian television history. She has taken on the lead role in ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2’, airing on Star Plus.
According to reports, Irani is commanding a fee of Rs. 14 lakh per episode, a figure she has acknowledged, though she refrained from confirming the exact amount.
By comparison, her contemporaries earn considerably less: ‘Anupamaa’ star Rupali Ganguly is said to earn approximately Rs. 3 lakh per episode, while Hina Khan reportedly receives up to Rs. 2 lakh.
In an interview with CNN-News18, Irani was asked directly whether she is now the highest-paid actor on Indian television. She confirmed the claim without hesitation.
Reflecting on her journey, from a struggling newcomer who first portrayed Tulsi in 2000 to becoming the industry’s top earner, Irani remarked, “Yes, I see the glee on your face… You also set that benchmark as a professional to say that if you deliver on history, on numbers and revenue, why not? Because not everybody watching us realises we negotiate our contracts as employees.”
She continued, “I’m part of a union, so the first thing I do is ensure my union number is registered. We’re all part of a larger organisation and workflow. For one person to stand up and say, ‘Listen, not only pay parity, I’ve out-earned both the boys and the girls’—that takes a great deal of hard work.”
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