From interacting with Bill Gates to being the highest-paid TV star: Times when Smriti Irani made headlines

Smriti Irani has been making headlines ever since the launch of Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2. From powerful monologues to her iconic chemistry with Amar Upadhyay, the actress has consistently won hearts. She is also set to team up with Bill Gates for the popular daily soap, and the new promo has left fans excited. Here’s a look at some of the times she made headlines:

In a surprising twist for the popular daily soap, a new promo confirmed Bill Gates’ cameo, showing him greeting Smriti Irani in her iconic role as Tulsi. The clip, shared by the channel on Instagram, features Tulsi on a video call with Gates on her laptop. She greets him with “Jai Shri Krishna,” to which the billionaire philanthropist replies, “Namaste Tulsi ji, Jai Shri Krishna.” Smriti, in character, adds, “Bahut acha laga yeh jaanke ki aap seedha America se mere parivaar se jud rahe hai. Aap ka hum sab besabri se intezaar kar rahe hain” (It feels wonderful to know that you are connecting directly with my family all the way from America. We are all eagerly waiting for you). Gates responds warmly, “Thank you Tulsi ji.”

Smriti Irani has openly confirmed that she is television’s highest-paid actor following her return in the Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi reboot. Reports suggest she earns around ₹14 lakh per episode, making her one of the most expensive stars on Indian TV. In an interview with CNN-News18, she was asked about her journey from a struggling actress in 2000 to becoming the top earner in 2025. Smriti smiled and said, “Yes, I see the glee on your face.”

In July 2025, actor Ram Kapoor sparked controversy with his comments about Smriti Irani during an interview. He spoke about her physical appearance during her time on the show and linked it to her success, saying that Smriti had been “huge” and “as big as I am,” yet still achieved greater success than him. Many felt his remarks were insensitive and undermined Smriti’s accomplishments. He also mentioned that her character’s transition into a grandmother role suited her physical changes.

Smriti Irani and Amar Upadhyay’s pairing as Tulsi and Mihir is considered one of the most beloved on Indian television. Their on-screen chemistry made them household names and remains unforgettable for fans even today. Recently, the actors reunited for the reboot, Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2. The reunion brought back nostalgic memories for viewers who grew up watching their story. Amar shared that working with Smriti again felt completely natural and effortless, almost like meeting family after years.

One of Smriti Irani’s scenes in the show went viral for its emotional intensity. In the scene, Tulsi delivers a heartfelt monologue about the struggles of housewives and the lack of recognition they often face. When Mihir questions her for using his money without asking, Tulsi reminds him that she has managed the household for decades without ever receiving a salary or a single day off. Her words highlighted the sacrifices made by countless homemakers who dedicate their lives without acknowledgment. The monologue resonated deeply with viewers and earned widespread praise for portraying the harsh realities of many women’s lives.

Smriti Irani came under the spotlight for the wrong reasons soon after the show returned on TV. While the show received mixed reviews, many fans expressed disappointment with her portrayal of Tulsi Virani. On social media, some viewers claimed she was using a body double in several scenes. Fans noticed that Tulsi’s reactions sometimes looked unnatural and disconnected from the rest of the cast. Reports suggested that Smriti was filming separately, and a body double was used for some family sequences. One viewer even commented that it felt like the other actors were “talking to a wall,” as her shots didn’t seem to fit. The topic quickly became widely discussed online.