Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi star Smriti Irani's net worth: Former McDonald's employee and Union Minister who is now TV's highest-paid star

1.Acting origins

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Smriti Irani entered entertainment after participating in Miss India (1998), modelling briefly, and earning a modest Rs 1800 per month at McDonald’s before landing the lead role of Tulsi Virani in Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi in 2000.

2.TV legend and awards

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She became the highest-paid TV actress by the time she exited the show and won five straight Indian Television Academy Awards for Best Actress Popular from 2001–2005.

3.Political rise

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Since transitioning to politics, Irani has held key portfolios: Union Minister for HRD, Textiles, I&B, Women & Child Development, and Minority Affairs. She represented Amethi in Lok Sabha (2019–24) before moving to Chandni Chowk in 2024. 

4.Net worth snapshot

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According to her 2024 election affidavit, Smriti Irani’s reported net worth is around Rs 17.6 crore. This includes bank deposits, investments, jewellery, a car worth Rs 28 lakh, and property valued at Rs 5.6 crore, showing steady financial growth since 2019.

5.Comeback and earnings

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For the reboot Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2, which premieres on 29 July 2025, she’s reportedly earning Rs 14 lakh per episode, reaffirming her status as India's highest-paid TV actress, despite politics continuing to be her priority.