Former Union Minister and BJP leader Smriti Irani, once a household name through her hit serial Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, has made a much-anticipated return to the small screen. Years after trading acting for politics, Irani is now back and making headlines for becoming the highest-paid actor in Indian television history, reportedly earning ₹14 lakh per episode.
Her comeback has sparked discussions in Kerala’s entertainment circles. Industry observers point out that Malayalam television, too, has witnessed several actors returning after long breaks such as veteran stars who transitioned into politics or cinema and later came back to the serial format.
Media experts believe Irani’s record-breaking pay could inspire Malayalam channels to rethink actor remuneration, especially for comeback projects involving popular household names. With Kerala’s TV audience showing strong loyalty to familiar faces, a high-profile return by a local star could potentially draw TRP ratings on par with national trends.
