TV Stars Now Rival Film Salaries: Salman Khan Tops with Rs 60 Cr/Month
Salman Khan leads India’s TV earnings with ₹60 crore per month for Bigg Boss 18. See how much Kapil Sharma, Amitabh Bachchan, and others earn.
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Television payouts in India have reached unprecedented levels, with Salman Khan leading the earnings chart as the highest-paid personality on the small screen in 2025.
According to industry sources, Khan earned approximately Rs 250 crore for hosting the 15-week-long reality show Bigg Boss 18 in 2024, translating to nearly Rs 60 crore per month. His remuneration marked a significant jump from previous seasons, indicating rising stakes in the Indian television industry.
With Bigg Boss 19 and Bigg Boss OTT 4 scheduled for release later this year, insiders speculate another pay hike for the actor-host, further pushing the envelope on television contracts.
What was once seen as a film-exclusive domain of Rs 100 crore payouts has now expanded into the television space. The advent of high-budget shows and increased audience engagement has allowed broadcasters to offer movie-sized pay packages to top talent.
Kapil Sharma, known for The Great Indian Kapil Show, is estimated to have earned Rs 60 crore for the show’s first season, placing him among the highest-paid comedians and showrunners on Indian television.
Veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan remains a staple with Kaun Banega Crorepati, commanding between Rs 4 crore and Rs 5 crore per episode during the most recent season, according to production insiders.
Among actresses, Rupali Ganguly has emerged as the highest-paid female TV actor. The Anupamaa lead reportedly earns Rs 3 lakh per episode, cementing her status as a top-tier performer in the serial space.
Digital platforms and reality shows have also boosted incomes for emerging talent. Social media influencer and actor Jannat Zubair reportedly received Rs 18 lakh per episode for Khatron Ke Khiladi and Rs 2 lakh per episode during her stint on Laughter Challenge.
