Smriti Irani’s Kyunki 2 Pay Raises Questions on Equity in Indian TV Industry

As Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi preps up for its unexpected comeback, the spotlight is firmly on Smriti Irani — not just for reprising her iconic role as Tulsi Virani, but for commanding a reported ₹14 lakh per episode. This eye-popping salary marks a staggering 77,678% increase from her humble ₹1,800-per-episode paycheck during the original 2000 run of the show.

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According to a report by TOI, Irani’s return after 25 years has reignited excitement among nostalgic fans eager to see her and Amar Upadhyay (Mihir) back on screen. However, the pay gap between her and her co-stars has also become a talking point.

Amar Upadhyay, who was equally central to the show’s early success, is reportedly earning less than half of Irani’s current fee. Meanwhile, actress Jaya Bhattacharya, who portrayed the character Payal, is said to be among the lowest paid in the returning cast.

Although the production team has not officially confirmed the salary details, the numbers being reported have sparked online debate around equity, star power, and the enduring issue of pay disparity in Indian television.