Indian soap operas? They’re like that one friend you can always count on – always there, always full of drama, with stories that seem to go on forever. But here’s a plot twist: it’s not just the Bollywood big shots who are swimming in cash. Some of the biggest names in Indian television are raking it in, thanks to their small-screen gigs.
Ready to see who’s who? Let’s peek into the lives (and bank accounts) of the 7 highest-paid soap stars in India. You might be shocked at just how loaded these TV regulars are!
7. Rupali Ganguly: The fighter Anupamaa
Rupali Ganguly’s big return in Anupamaa has shot her to the top as one of the best-paid actresses on Indian TV. She’s got a net worth of around ₹20–25 crore, and people love her for her strong acting and how real she makes her characters feel. Don’t forget her older parts in Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, which folks still enjoy. Rupali also works with brands like Tata Tea, Swiggy, Goodknight, and Pantaloons, plus some wellness companies. In doing so, she shows she’s all about supporting women and family values.
6. Jennifer Winget: A performer who can do it all
Jennifer Winget is like that super stylish friend we all admire on Indian TV. She’s not just a pretty face; she’s got the acting chops to back it up. You probably remember her from shows like Saraswatichandra, Bepannaah, and Beyhadh – she was amazing in all of them!
And if you need some style inspiration, just check out her Instagram. Plus, you will always see her on magazine covers. With a cool ₹47–55 crore in the bank, it’s no shock big names in fashion and beauty, like L’Oréal, Maybelline, Daniel Wellington, NYKAA, and Wella Professionals, want to work with her. She’s everywhere when it comes to fancy brands!
5. Dilip Joshi: India’s favourite Jethalal
Dilip Joshi, the on-screen Jethalal, has been popular with Tarak Mehta ka Oolta Chashma for more than 10 years now and earns a net worth of about ₹47 crores, which makes him one of the top-paid actors on Indian Television. His fans recognize him for his killer jokes and squeaky-clean image, so he’s done ads for all sorts of stuff – like Ghari Detergent, Big Bazaar, LIC, and even Khadi India. You see him in public service announcements and stuff that’s meant to make people aware. He has even appeared in a bunch of plays and Bollywood flicks like Hum Aapke Hain Koun…!, One 2 Ka 4, and Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani, among others. Word is, Joshi makes around INR1.5-2 lakh for each episode, which explains why he’s got so many fans.
4. Harshad Chopra: The king of romantic dramas
Harshad Chopda, who earns a net worth of about ₹49 crore, is famous for his intense, captivating vibe and the deep emotions he brings to his roles in shows like Bepannaah and Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai. He’s won a bunch of awards for his acting, and fans are always curious about him because he keeps his personal life pretty private. Big brands that go for a clean, simple style love working with Harshad—think Daniel Wellington, OnePlus, Skechers, and The Man Company. He just fits that classy, low-key image so well.
3. Shweta Tiwari: Still Queen of Indian TV
Most people know Shweta Tiwari as Prerna from Kasautii Zindagii Kay (which ran from 2001 to 2008). She’s still one of the best-paid TV actresses in India. Sources say that in 2025, she’s worth around ₹80–81 crore.
She gets about ₹2 to ₹2.25 lakh for each episode she appears in, making her one of the highest-paid stars on TV. She’s been acting for 20 years and has been in hit shows like “Parvarrish – Kuchh Khattee Kuchh Meethi,” “Begusarai,” “Mere Dad Ki Dulhan,” and “Main Hoon Aparajita.” She also won “Bigg Boss 4” (the first woman to win!) and has been on shows like Nach Baliye, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, and Khatron Ke Khiladi.
Shweta has won a bunch of awards, including ITA Awards and Indian Telly Awards, mainly for Kasautii Zindagii Kay, in which everyone, critics and fans, loved her. Even after being in so many successful shows, she still gets top dollar per episode because people still love her, and she can play any role.
2. Karan Kundra
Karan Kundrra, worth a cool ₹91 crore, has come a long way since his days as the heartthrob in Kitani Mohabbat Hai. Now, he’s one of TV’s most wanted stars. He’s crushed it as a host and reality TV star on shows like MTV Roadies, Bigg Boss 15, and Lock Upp, pulling in tons of younger viewers.
Folks know Karan for his style and what he shares online; he’s the perfect face for brands aimed at younger folks and luxury stuff. He’s worked with Realme, Armani Exchange, MyGlamm, Boat, Zouk, and John Players, and he’s starred in lots of online ads where he shows off his love for fashion and tech.
1. Kapil Sharma: The comedy king
Kapil Sharma is like the king of Indian TV, sitting on around ₹280 – 300 crore. Everyone in India knows him from Comedy Nights with Kapil, and he’s still killing ‘it with The Kapil Sharma Show. He even jumped over to Netflix with The Great Indian Kapil Show, snagging fans worldwide. He has debuted as an actor in the Abbas Mastaan film Kis Kisko Pyaar Karoon and did few films after that, such as Zwigato, Crew, Firangi, etc.
He’s not just funny or an actor; Kapil’s got a brain for business as well. He owns K9 Productions and even a cafe up in Canada. I mean, his comic delivery and how real he keeps it have made huge brands like Honda, PolicyBazaar, OLX, Fair & Handsome, and Sony Liv want him as their main guy. He’s one of those rare performers who’s not just good on stage but also super smart with his money.
Being a TV Star in India: More Than Just Glamour
So, being a TV star in India isn’t all glitz. These actors work super long hours, like 12-14 hours a day, almost every day of the week. The cool thing is they get paid for each episode they’re in, and these shows can go on forever. Plus, they make even more money with ads, reality TV, posting on social media, and even starting their own businesses. It’s easy to see how they make a lot of money each year.
What’s amazing is how many dedicated fans they have, sometimes even more than movie stars, especially with housewives and people who watch the shows every day. These TV stars can become really famous, changing trends in fashion and even the way people think.
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Wrapping up: It’s not all sparkles, but hard work too
Think Indian TV actors don’t rake it in like their Bollywood counterparts? Think again. Sure, they might not get all the glitz, but their bank accounts tell a different story. It takes grit, skill, and the backing of tons of Indian families who watch every night. Those top 7 highest-paid soap stars? They’re proof that fame and fortune aren’t only found in movies; you can hit the jackpot on TV as well.
So when you’re glued to your favourite show, remember this: you’re not just watching a story unfold, you’re watching millionaires do their thing!
Written by Nidhi Singh