Smriti Irani back as Tulsi in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi reboot: Here's how much she's charging per episode

Time of India

08-07-2025

Smriti Irani's fees for KSBKBT: The iconic daily soap Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is making a grand return with a reboot, and fans are thrilled to see Smriti Irani step back into the role of Tulsi Virani. The show's first look dropped online recently, sparking excitement and a wave of nostalgia among viewers who grew up watching the original.
Let's take a closer look at Smriti Irani's comeback, her emotional message, the show's return, and her jaw-dropping fees per episode.
Smriti Irani as Tulsi: The Character That Became a National Emotion
Smriti Irani, who played Tulsi in the original series, quickly became a household name in the early 2000s. Her portrayal of Tulsi—an ideal daughter-in-law, a strong mother, and a symbol of Indian family values—won millions of hearts. Now, after more than 20 years, she's returning in the same role for the Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Reboot.
Speaking about her return, Smriti Irani shared an emotional note, saying,
'Tulsi wasn't just a character. She became a daughter, a mother, and a reflection of many women's strength and sacrifices.'
She also said that even after the show ended, people continued to call her Tulsi instead of her real name. That connection with the audience, she said, 'isn't written – it's a blessing.'
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Reboot: What to Expect
The Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Reboot is a limited series with 150 episodes. It is set to air on Star Plus starting 29 July 2025 at 10:30 PM. Along with Smriti Irani, many of the original cast members are also returning, making the show even more special for long-time fans.
When the first look was shared online, social media went wild. Fans filled the comments section with love, expressing how emotional and excited they felt about Tulsi's return.
Smriti Irani's Fees: Now the Highest-Paid Actress on Indian Television
Smriti Irani's return as Tulsi has not just made headlines for nostalgia, but also for her fees. According to a report by DNA India, Smriti is now charging a whopping Rs 14 lakh per episode, making her the highest-paid actress on Indian TV.
This fee even surpasses that of Rupali Ganguly, who reportedly earned Rs 3 lakh per episode for her popular show Anupamaa, also aired on Star Plus. Smriti's comeback has clearly set a new benchmark in the industry.
Smriti Irani Opens Up About Pay Gap and Gender Roles in TV Industry
During her appearance on We The Women with Karan Johar, Smriti Irani discussed the challenges she faced as a female lead in television. She reflected on a time when gender pay gap and financial equity were not openly discussed.
She added that her role as Tulsi helped break barriers—not just in terms of viewership, but also in showing the strength of a woman's character on prime-time television.
Tulsi's Return Is More Than Just a Comeback—It's an Emotion
Smriti Irani concluded her note with heartfelt words:
'Tulsi returns not just as a character, but as a memory, a feeling that never left. In today's world, where stories come and go, this return is an invitation to pause and feel again.'
Her message shows how deeply she values the connection Tulsi had with Indian families.
Is Smriti Irani Leaving Politics for Acting?
In a recent chat with NDTV, Smriti Irani made it clear that although she's excited to return as Tulsi Virani, her main priority is still her political work. 'Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is just a side project,' she said, showing her strong commitment to politics over acting. Irani joined politics around 20 years ago and is now an important leader in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
She described her return to acting as something she's doing part-time, much like other politicians who manage more than one role. Irani added, 'I may be the most recognised face among them, but I'm a full-time politician and a part-time actor.' Her comments show how she's managing both her political duties and her love for acting.
With the Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Reboot, Smriti Irani is bringing back one of television's most loved characters. Her return as Tulsi, along with her record-breaking fees, proves that timeless roles and strong storytelling never go out of style.
As fans count down the days to July 29, one thing is clear—Tulsi is not just back on screen, she's back in everyone's hearts.