The landscape of Indian television has dramatically shifted, with some actors now commanding fees that rival, and in some cases, surpass, those of established Bollywood stars. This change reflects the increasing popularity and revenue generated by television shows, particularly reality shows and long-running daily soaps.
Several factors contribute to this phenomenon. The immense popularity of reality shows like Bigg Boss and Kaun Banega Crorepati allows hosts like Salman Khan and Amitabh Bachchan to negotiate incredibly lucrative deals. Salman Khan reportedly earns ₹60 crore per month for hosting Bigg Boss, putting him in a league of his own. Amitabh Bachchan also earns a significant amount, charging between ₹4 crore and ₹5 crore per episode of Kaun Banega Crorepati.
The success of daily soaps also plays a crucial role. Actors like Rupali Ganguly, who stars in the popular show Anupamaa, earn ₹3 lakh per episode, making her one of the highest-paid actresses on Indian television. Dilip Joshi, known for his role as Jethalal in Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, earns ₹1.5 lakh per episode. Smriti Irani, who is rumored to be making a comeback with Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, is reportedly offered ₹14 lakh per day.
Moreover, social media presence and brand endorsements have become significant income streams for TV actors. Many actors leverage their popularity to collaborate with brands and participate in social media campaigns, further boosting their earnings. Social media sensation Jannat Zubair, for instance, earned around ₹18 lakh per episode for Khatron Ke Khiladi and ₹2 lakh per episode on Laughter Challenge.
Here is a list of some of the top-earning TV actors in India:
While these figures are impressive, it's important to note that Bollywood's top actors still command higher fees for their film projects. However, the gap is closing, and the success of television actors demonstrates the growing power and influence of the television industry in India. Some of the highest-paid actors in India in 2025 include Allu Arjun, Joseph Vijay, Shah Rukh Khan, and Rajinikanth. Allu Arjun reportedly charged ₹300 crore for Pushpa: The Rule – Part 2. Joseph Vijay's fee ranges from ₹130 crore to ₹275 crore per film. Shah Rukh Khan charges between ₹150 crore and ₹250 crore per film.
The rise of television actors' earnings reflects a broader trend in the entertainment industry, where content is increasingly consumed across multiple platforms. As television continues to captivate audiences and generate substantial revenue, it's likely that the financial success of TV actors will continue to grow.
