Actor-turned-politician Smriti Irani is all set to reprise her iconic role as Tulsi Virani in the much-awaited reboot of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. According to recent media reports, Irani has reportedly received a staggering pay hike for her return to television, with her fee now reaching an impressive Rs 14 lakh per episode.
This marks a significant leap from her initial earnings during the original run of the show, which first aired in 2000. Back then, Irani earned a modest Rs 1,800 per episode — a figure that reflects the humble beginnings of a now-celebrated star. Although the production house has yet to officially confirm the updated remuneration, industry insiders suggest this is one of the highest per-episode fees for a female television actor in India to date.
In an earlier conversation with Curly Tales, Irani reminisced about her early days in the entertainment industry. She shared how a twist of fate — and a surprising prediction by an astrologer named Janardhan — played a pivotal role in shaping her career. "The astrologer told Ekta Kapoor, 'If you work with her, she will become a big face in the country'," Irani recalled. At the time, she was about to sign a contract for a minor role, earning around Rs 1,200-1,300 per day. Moved by the astrologer's words, Kapoor reportedly tore up the contract and instead signed her on for Rs 1,800 per day.
Irani also revealed her journey from working at McDonald’s — where she earned Rs 1,800 a month — to landing her breakthrough role on Indian television. Her return to the show after more than two decades is not just a comeback but a celebration of how far she has come, both professionally and personally.
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The reboot of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is scheduled to premiere on Star Plus on July 29 at 10:30 PM. A newly released promo shows Irani stepping back into the shoes of Tulsi Virani, telling viewers, "Zaroor aaoongi. Kyunki itne saalon ka rishtha jo hai. Waqt aa gaya hai aapse phir milne ka." (I will come back. It's a years-long bond after all. It's time to meet you all once again.)
Despite her prominent role in Indian politics, Irani’s return to acting underscores her deep-rooted connection to the show and its loyal fanbase. With the reboot promising a blend of nostalgia and new drama, fans eagerly await the return of one of Indian television’s most iconic characters.
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