8 Popular TV Stars Who Earn More Than Bollywood Actors

Indian television provides a lot of entertainment for us. While actors in Bollywood movies have a huge fan following, television actors are not far behind in terms of fandom. The characters played by movie stars have an impact on our lives and stay with us for no more than a couple of hours. But the television industry has shaded most of us with the vast array of characters they portray in everyday life and have stayed with us for years. This might surprise you but some of these actors earn more than Bollywood actors and have won millions of fans all over the world. Let’s discuss the following actors who have done wonderfully well in the Hindi television industry and take home hefty amounts of money.

1. Rupali Ganguly

Rupali Ganguly is a face we all grew up with. She is a prominent Indian actress who has been working in the industry since she was a child, thanks to her father, Anil Ganguly, who was a film director. Although Rupali has graced the big screen a couple of times, she first shot to fame playing the “middle class” Monisha Sarabhai in the sitcom Sarabhai vs Sarabhai. She then went on to star in other popular series like Baa Bahoo Aur Baby and Parvarrish – Kuchh Khattee Kuchh Meethi. Rupali has always been wonderful at portraying roles that pull at the heartstrings, which is why she is a fan favorite and high in demand. And it definitely shows! She is currently starring in the titular role of Anupamaa, which has made her a household favorite all over India. As of 2025, Rupali’s net worth is estimated to be anywhere between $3 to 5 million. She makes ₹3 lakhs per day, i.e., per episode, making her one of the highest-paid actors in the small screen industry.

2. Mishal Raheja

The Indian television actor plays Viplav in Ishq Ka Rang Safed. He debuted in acting in 2005 in a show called Pyaar Vyaar and All That and since then has become one of the most popular actors of recent times. Mishal Raheja rose to fame after he acted in Laagi Tujhse Lagan as Datta Bhau. He went on to do a movie called Shaadi Vaadi And All That which won the hearts of millions of audiences. He earns about Rs. 1.6 lakhs per episode according to reports.

3. Sakshi Tanwar

One of the most experienced actresses of the television industry, Sakshi Tanwar is known for her roles in Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii and Bade Achhe Lagte Hain. She is one of the most popular TV stars and has acted in Dangal, sharing the screen with Aamir Khan. She has hosted several reality TV shows like Crime Patrol and Code Red and is the only actress who has always been in the list of the Top 10 Actresses of the TV Industry. She has also appeared on Amitabh Bachchan’s KBC and is reportedly paid an amount of Rs. 1,25,000 to Rs. 1,50,000 per episode.

4. Shivaji Satam

All the C.I.D fans out there know that the show would not be the same if it wasn’t for this legendary actor Shivaji Satam. Popularly known as “ACP Pradyuman”, he is loved by fans everywhere and his death on-screen was not well received by them. He debuted on-screen in 1980 in the popular television show Rishte-Naate and his role in the Hindi television industry was always well received. He even won the award for Best Actor for his role in C.I.D. They had killed him off the show but due to popular demand by fans, he came back on the show and now earns a solid amount of Rs. 1 lakh per episode.

5. Karan Patel

He began his acting career on the well-known show Kahaani Ghar Ghar Ki in 2000. He has risen to great heights and has become one of the most renowned actors of Indian television. He plays Raman Bhalla in Yeh Hai Mohabbatein and received immense appreciation for it. He also won several awards for the best actor including the Zee TV Awards and Indian Television Academy Award amongst others. He is known for his romantic roles in television and reports say he earns Rs. 1 lakh for one single episode.

6. Divyanka Tripathi

Divyanka Tripathi debuted in acting in the television industry for Doordarshan. She received worldwide recognition for her dual roles in Banoo Main Teri Dulhann where she played Vidya and Divya, an orphan and illiterate girl and a modern educated girl respectively. She won awards for her spectacular acting including the Indian Television Awards for Best Female Actor in Drama and Indian Telly Awards for New Fresh Face. Divyanka has been a part of the dance reality show Nach Baliye 8. She is currently acting in the popular television show Yeh Hai Mohabbatein as Dr. Ishita Bhalla and earns a lavish sum of Rs. 80,000 to 85,000 thousand per episode.

7. Hina Khan

She is undoubtedly one of the most popular television actresses in the Indian television industry. Hina Khan, fondly known as Akshara in Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, has been around for years and is much appreciated for her roles. She also plays Komolika in Kasautii Zindagii Kay which was rated one of the highest TRP generating television shows. Apart from this, she has also participated in the reality show Bigg Boss season 11 and was the first runner up in 2017. Hina Khan earns a jaw-dropping amount of Rs. 1.5-2 lakhs per episode according to reports and is one of the highest-paid actors of the television industry.

8. Krystle D’Souza

She debuted as an actress when she was in college and rose to fame in her role as Jeevika Vadhera in Ek Hazaaron Mein Meri Behna Hai with Nia Sharma. The gorgeous Krystle is paid Rs. 55,000 to 60,000 for one episode.

I bet none of us would have thought that television actresses get paid more than Bollywood celebrities but isn’t it amazing how well they’ve done for themselves in the Hindi television industry. Who is your favorite among our list? Let us know in the comments below.

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Bency Sebastian

Writer, dreamer and a moon child. Bency believes that music, words, and little precious moments of life add color to a world that is black and white..

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