In shifting tides of Indian television a select few actresses have silently transformed the game. With each performance theyve not only won hearts but also climbed the financial ladder rewriting industry norms along the way and now one among them 49-year-old actress has quietly claimed the title of highest-paid star on the small screen. Who is this actress? Here we are talking about actress-politician Smriti Irani who recently made a significant return to television with the reboot of the iconic series Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2. Premiering on July 29 2025 on Star Plus and streaming on JioHotstar the show has brought back nostalgia among viewers. Irani reprising her role as Tulsi Virani expressed that the sequel is more of a retelling than a reinvention aiming to resonate with both old fans and new audiences. How has Smriti Irani become the highest-paid actress? Smriti Iranis return to the small screen hasn’t just created buzz for nostalgic reasons its also made headlines due to her staggering remuneration. For Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2 Irani is reportedly charging Rs 14 lakh per episode placing her among the highest-paid television actors in India. This paycheck reflects both her iconic status and the anticipation surrounding the sequel. Her remuneration dwarfs that of many top names on television today. For comparison Rupali Ganguly of Anupamaa fame earns around Rs 3 lakh per episode while Hina Khan reportedly charges up to Rs 2 lakh. Smritis staggering fee underlines her unmatched legacy in TV space and the industrys confidence in her return grabbing viewers attention. More about Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi was a game-changer in Indian television history. Premiering in 2000 the show quickly became a daily ritual for millions of viewers. It revolved around the Virani family and especially Tulsi played powerfully by Smriti Irani. The show featured an ensemble cast including Amar Upadhyay Ronit Roy Sudha Shivpuri and Hiten Tejwani each adding depth to the narrative. With its emotional storytelling dramatic twists and strong portrayal of family values the series created an emotional connection that spanned generations. Its legacy lives on as one of the most influential and unforgettable Indian soap operas ever made.