Smriti Irani Returns as Tulsi; Fee Reportedly Jumps from ₹1,800 to ₹14 Lakh Per Episode
Smriti Irani Returns as Tulsi; Fee Reportedly Jumps from ₹1,800 to ₹14 Lakh Per Episode
Mumbai: Television’s most iconic character, Tulsi Virani, is set to return to the small screen as actress Smriti Irani reprises her role in the upcoming reboot of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. The show is scheduled to premiere on July 29 at 10:30 PM on Star Plus, two decades after it became a household name.
Alongside the buzz of her return, reports suggest a dramatic jump in her remuneration—from just ₹1,800 per episode during the original run in 2000, to a whopping ₹14 lakh per episode for the new series. While the figure is yet to be officially confirmed, industry insiders say it reflects the major investment being made in the show’s comeback.
The reboot’s first look was recently revealed, sparking excitement among fans. The production is said to be sparing no expense to recreate the magic of the original show, which ran for over 1,800 episodes and became a pop culture phenomenon.
Speaking about her return, Irani reflected on Tulsi’s enduring legacy. “When I first stepped into Tulsi’s world, I couldn’t have imagined how far her story would travel—not just into living rooms, but into the hearts of millions across India,” she said.
“Tulsi wasn’t just a character. She became a daughter, a mother, a friend—and, for many, a reflection of their own strength, sacrifice, and conviction,” she added.
The actress, who transitioned from television to politics, also spoke about the emotional impact of the show. “It broke every metric of success not through numbers alone, but through emotion. Families paused their lives to watch it together. Even when she left the screen, Tulsi never truly left the audience,” Irani said.
As anticipation builds, the return of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi is expected to attract both nostalgic viewers and a new generation of fans.
