Hina Khan, a prominent figure in Indian television, has recently revealed that she earned more from her role as Akshara in "Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai" (YRKKH) than from her subsequent roles in popular shows like "Naagin" and "Kasautii Zindagii Kay". This revelation sheds light on her journey in the industry and the financial dynamics of her career choices.
Khan, born on October 2, 1987, in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, began her acting career in 2009 with YRKKH, where she played the lead role of Akshara Singhania. She quickly became a household name, earning numerous awards and establishing herself as one of the most beloved faces on Indian television. She holds a Master of Business Administration degree, which she completed before entering the entertainment industry.
During her time on YRKKH, Hina Khan reportedly earned nearly Rs 1.5 lakh per episode, reflecting her value as a leading actress. This impressive figure made her one of the highest-paid actresses on Indian television during that period. Some reports suggest she charged between Rs 1 lakh and Rs 1.5 lakh per episode. By 2022, reports indicated she was earning up to Rs 2 lakh per episode.
After leaving YRKKH in 2016, Khan explored various roles to diversify her career. She participated in reality shows like "Fear Factor: Khatron Ke Khiladi" and "Bigg Boss 11," where she was a runner-up. She also took on the role of Komolika, a negative character, in "Kasautii Zindagii Kay 2". Additionally, she appeared in "Naagin 5". While these roles brought her critical acclaim and broadened her fanbase, Khan has now disclosed that they didn't surpass her YRKKH earnings.
Khan's Bollywood debut came in 2020 with the film "Hacked," and she has since appeared in web series and music videos. In 2019, she attended the Cannes Film Festival, marking a significant achievement in her career.
Before her successful acting career, Hina Khan worked at a call center, where she says she excelled. Initially, her salary was supposed to be Rs. 25,000 per month, but she earned Rs. 40,000 in her first paycheck due to her exceptional performance. Another source mentions she earned ₹45,000 with incentives due to good collections.
Hina Khan has been recognized as one of the leading and highest-paid actresses in the Hindi television industry. She has received numerous awards, including the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for Best Actress. She was also featured in Eastern Eye's "50 Sexiest Asian Women" lists.
In her personal life, Hina Khan married Rocky Jaiswal in June 2025, after dating for over 13 years. They met on the set of "Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai," where Jaiswal worked as a supervising producer.
Hina Khan's revelation about her YRKKH earnings highlights the significant impact of her early success on her overall financial standing. It also underscores the evolving nature of the entertainment industry, where an actor's income can vary greatly depending on the role, the show's popularity, and the negotiation skills of the individual. Despite her success in subsequent projects, "Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai" remains a cornerstone of her career, both in terms of popularity and financial reward.
