Smriti Irani’s Triumphant Return as Tulsi: TV Icon Commands ₹14 Lakh per Episode
Smriti Irani returns as Tulsi Virani in the Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi reboot, commanding ₹14 lakh per episode. Discover the full story behind her record-breaking comeback.
NewsSutra
Mumbai, July 15, 2025 – Smriti Irani is set to reclaim the screen as the indomitable Tulsi Virani in the rebooted Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, set to premiere on Star Plus on July 29 at 10:30 pm. After building a formidable reputation in politics, she’s making a powerful return to the role that made her a household name more than two decades ago—and at a record-breaking pay of ₹14 lakh per episode, the highest ever for an Indian television actress India Today+15ABP Live+15Indiatimes+15The Times of India+15Moneycontrol+15Indiatimes+15.
1. From Humble Beginnings to Iconic Stardom
Before her meteoric rise, Irani was earning ₹1,800 per month working at a fast-food outlet. That amount, astonishingly, was her monthly earning before she began portraying Tulsi in 2000 Moneycontrol+1The Economic Times+1. Over the years, she evolved from an actress to a politician—holding key portfolios such as HRD and Textiles—yet her political journey has never overshadowed her identity as Tulsi .
2. Sara-Tulsi Reboot: Balancing Nostalgia and Modernity
Producer Ektaa Kapoor’s vision for Tulsi Ka Safar is not mere nostalgia—it’s a nuanced retelling aimed at contemporary audiences. Set within a strictly limited 150-episode arc, it curates pivotal emotional moments while modernizing its narrative tone ABP Live+6Indulgexpress+6Sambad English+6.
In an official statement, Smriti Irani remarked on this full-circle moment: “Some journeys come full circle—not for nostalgia, but for purpose... This reboot honours the legacy of Kyunki while helping shape India’s creative future” The Times of India+15India Today+15The Times of India+15.
3. Smriti’s Record-Breaking Fee: A Landmark in Indian Television
Her ₹14 lakh per episode fee dwarfs previous television salary records—far exceeding the likes of Rupali Ganguly’s ₹3 lakh for Anupamaa The Economic Times+6India Today+6Indiatimes+6. While unconfirmed by the production house, multiple credible sources—including NDTV, Moneycontrol, India Today, and ET—support the figure Moneycontrol. If accurate, it confirms Irani’s position as the highest-paid female TV actor in the country.
4. What Inspires This Return to Television?
Despite being a leading national politician, Irani views this comeback as a complementary extension of her storytelling journey—not a full-time career shift. She highlights how the role reflects the resilience of women and aligns with her real-life advocacy Wikipedia+1The Economic Times+1Indiatimes+1Indiatimes+1.
Introducing messages like “Tulsi returns not just as a character, but as a feeling” at Star Plus’s recent promo launch has already triggered a wave of excitement, resonating emotionally with fans and generating record pre-release buzz Indiatimes+3Herald Goa+3Indiatimes+3.
5. Marketing, Security & Production Setup
The show’s production is shrouded in tight secrecy. During initial shoots, Smriti Irani received Z-plus security, and communications on set were heavily restricted—a testament to both her political status and the show’s high stakes Sambad English+11Wikipedia+11The Times of India+11.
Released images show her in classic Tulsi attire—maroon saree, red bindi, black mangalsutra—instantly reviving the original character’s essence Sambad English+2Indulgexpress+2ABP Live+2.
6. Breaking Gender and Pay Barriers
Irrani’s leap from ₹1,800 per episode (or even per day) to ₹14 lakh marks a dramatic shift in the value accorded to female leads. On We The Women, she acknowledged the historical gender pay gap in television and hinted that her role helped pave the way for equitable pay discussions www.ndtv.com+5Moneycontrol+5Indiatimes+5.
Her success serves as both an inspiration and a challenge to the industry to value talent beyond traditional tropes of youth and glamour.
7. Why This Reboot Resonates Now
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Timing: Releasing on July 29, a week ahead of Raksha Bandhan, ensures family viewing appeal.
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Shorter Format: A 150-episode arc prevents narrative fatigue common with long-running soaps.
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Cast Legacy: Alongside Irani, returning actors like Amar Upadhyay, Hiten Tejwani, Gauri Pradhan, and Shakti Anand enrich the reboot with continuity The Economic Times+11Wikipedia+11Wikipedia+11The Times of India+14India Today+14Indiatimes+14IndiatimesThe Economic Times+6Wikipedia+6Indiatimes+6.
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Emotional Connection: The original run (2000–2008) was a cultural touchpoint—Ironically, Tulsi became synonymous with Irani, redefining her identity during that era Indiatimes+10Wikipedia+10The Economic Times+10.
8. Challenges & Audience Expectations
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Television Retention: Limited episode counts may alienate viewers accustomed to month-over-month sagas.
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Comparisons: The show is inevitably compared to prior Ektaa Kapoor classics. The ability to fuse nostalgia with fresh storytelling will define its success.
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Irani’s Dual Roles: Balancing governmental duties with daily shooting demands could limit her availability and affect continuity on-screen.
9. Early Fan Reaction & Social Buzz
Social media exploded following the leaked first look. Fans expressed heartfelt nostalgia:
“Oh my god, this feels like home. I’m 8 years old again.” Moneycontrol+6www.ndtv.com+6The Times of India+6The Times of IndiaThe Economic Times+9Herald Goa+9Indiatimes+9
Media outlets echoed this sentiment, calling it an emotional resurgence for a generation that grew up with Tulsi.
10. Conclusion: A Cultural Touchstone Reinvented
Smriti Irani’s return as Tulsi is more than a career move—it’s a cultural landmark. The ₹14 lakh fee redefines female earning power in Indian TV. The reboot’s blend of legacy and modernity, combined with its emotional resonance, is poised to make a significant impact.
As both an artist and a politician, Smriti Irani stands at a rare intersection of influence. Her return reaffirms that strong storytelling and iconic characters remain potent forces—even in an era dominated by streaming platforms.
