Smriti Irani, who became a household name as Tulsi Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, has returned to television with a reboot of the iconic 2000s show. This time, she is not only on TV but also streaming on JioHotstar.
According to insider reports, she is now the highest paid actor on Indian television, earning nearly ₹14 lakh per episode. While she has not confirmed the exact figure, this fee has sparked heated discussions among viewers and industry watchers.
Audiences, however, are far from impressed. Many complain about her over-the-top acting, saying her performance feels unsatisfactory despite the massive pay. After leaving acting for politics, her comeback is failing to recreate the nostalgia of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi.
Her paycheck is also much higher than other television stars. Rupali Ganguly of Anupamaa reportedly makes around ₹3 lakh per episode, while Hina Khan charges about ₹2 lakh. This difference has only fuelled further outrage over Smriti Irani’s high fee.
The reboot of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is streaming on both JioHotstar and StarPlus. But instead of celebrating, many viewers are demanding her removal from their TV screens and OTT feeds, calling her return a disappointing misstep.
She is getting 14 lakhs per episode for this ?? pic.twitter.com/2EYPwXblBM
— Rashi Modi (@RasodaQueen) September 4, 2025
