Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is not just a television show—it’s a cultural phenomenon that defined Indian daily soaps in the early 2000s. Originally aired from 2000 to 2008, the serial returned in 2025 with a much-anticipated reboot (Season 2) on Star Plus under Ekta Kapoor’s Balaji Telefilms.
Why Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Season 2 Fees Are Making Headlines
When Kyunki first aired, daily soaps operated on modest budgets. Actors were paid thousands per episode, not lakhs. Fast-forward to 2025, and Indian television economics have changed drastically.
The Season 2 reboot benefits from:
- Nostalgia-driven TRP expectations
- Star power of returning original cast members
- Higher ad revenues and premium content positioning
This is why cast salaries in the reboot are reportedly 5x–50x higher than what actors earned two decades ago.
Smriti Irani’s Salary: From ₹1,800 to ₹14 Lakh Per Episode
The biggest talking point is undoubtedly Smriti Irani, who reprises her iconic role as Tulsi Virani.
- Original run (2000): ~₹1,800 per episode (as per industry anecdotes)
- Season 2 (2025): ₹10–14 lakh per episode (as reported by multiple outlets)

This makes her the highest-paid actor in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Season 2 and one of the top earners in Indian television history. Her remuneration reflects both her legacy value and the commercial pull of Tulsi Virani as a character.
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Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Season 2 Cast Fees (Per Episode)
Based on consistent reporting across major entertainment portals, here’s a realistic fee range for the reboot cast.
Reported Per-Episode Fees (2025 Reboot)
| Actor | Character | Estimated Fee Range |
|---|---|---|
| Smriti Irani | Tulsi Virani | ₹10–14 lakh |
| Amar Upadhyay | Mihir Virani | ~₹1.5 lakh |
| Hiten Tejwani | Karan Virani | ₹1–1.5 lakh |
| Gauri Pradhan | Nandini Virani | ₹0.8–1.5 lakh |
| Shakti Anand | Hemant Virani | ₹0.8–1.5 lakh |
| Kamalika Guha Thakurta | Gayatri Virani | ₹0.5–1 lakh |
| Ketki Dave | Dakshaben | ₹0.5–1 lakh |
| New cast members | Various roles | ₹25,000–₹60,000 |
Note: These figures are based on unverified industry reports and media estimates. Official contracts have not been publicly disclosed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much are actors paid in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Season 2?
For the new season, actors are reportedly paid between ₹25,000 and ₹14 lakh per episode, depending on their role, popularity, and screen presence.
2. Who is the highest-paid actor in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi Season 2?
Smriti Irani, who returns as Tulsi Virani, is the highest-paid actor in Season 2, with reports suggesting she earns ₹10–14 lakh per episode.
3. How much do other lead actors earn in Season 2?
Other lead actors in Season 2 reportedly earn between ₹1 lakh and ₹1.5 lakh per episode, while supporting and new actors earn lower amounts.
4. Are the Season 2 cast fees officially confirmed?
No, the Season 2 cast fees are not officially announced. The numbers are based on media and industry reports and may vary slightly.
5. Will the cast fees increase later in Season 2?
As of now, there is no confirmation of a fee hike during Season 2. Any changes would depend on the show’s performance and future contracts.

