Two of Indian television’s most iconic women — Rupali Ganguly and Smriti Irani — continue to reign in public memory long after their respective characters, Anupamaa and Tulsi Virani, became household names. Both have not only dominated the small screen with their powerful performances but have also built strong careers beyond television. But when it comes to wealth and financial success, who comes out on top?
Let’s take a closer look at their journeys, achievements, and current net worth to see who holds the bigger financial empire — the modern-day queen of TRPs, Rupali Ganguly, or the once television superstar turned political heavyweight, Smriti Irani.
Rupali Ganguly: The Face of ‘Anupamaa’ and TV’s Highest-Paid Star
Rupali Ganguly, who began her acting journey with shows like Sanjivani and Sarabhai vs Sarabhai, reached new heights of fame with Anupamaa, a show that has consistently ruled the TRP charts since its debut in 2020. Her portrayal of a strong yet vulnerable homemaker resonated deeply with audiences, especially women across generations.
Thanks to the show’s massive popularity, Rupali has become one of the highest-paid television actresses in India. Reports suggest she earns around ₹3 lakh per episode, a staggering figure that translates to several crores annually, considering the show’s five-episode-a-week format.
In addition to her television income, Rupali also earns through brand endorsements, public appearances, and social media collaborations. She owns luxury cars and lives in a plush Mumbai apartment, often giving fans glimpses of her elegant lifestyle via Instagram.
According to estimates from entertainment portals and celebrity finance trackers, Rupali Ganguly’s net worth is currently believed to be between ₹25 to ₹28 crore. Her consistent television work and increasing influence in the digital space continue to boost her financial profile.
Smriti Irani: From Tulsi to Parliament — A Journey of Power and Purpose
Smriti Irani became a national sensation in the early 2000s as Tulsi Virani in Ekta Kapoor’s Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi. The show not only made her a household name but also cemented her place as one of Indian television’s highest-paid and most-recognized faces during its time.
However, her journey took a dramatic and inspiring turn when she transitioned from acting to politics. Joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Smriti Irani rose through the ranks swiftly and is now a Union Cabinet Minister, handling important portfolios over the years including Women and Child Development, and previously, Human Resource Development.
Her income, therefore, stems not just from her acting past, but from her political salary, perks associated with being a cabinet minister, government housing, and allowances. Although ministers’ salaries are modest in comparison to entertainment industry paychecks, her influence, reach, and reputation significantly enhance her brand value.
Smriti is known for her grounded lifestyle and does not flaunt wealth. Yet, as per publicly available declarations, her total assets — which include movable and immovable property, jewelry, and investments — are estimated to be in the range of ₹11 to ₹15 crore.
So, Who is Richer?
If we’re strictly comparing net worth based on current financial figures, Rupali Ganguly appears to have the upper hand. With a continuous stream of high-paying television work, brand endorsements, and a strong social media presence, she currently earns more annually than Smriti Irani. Her current market value as an actress places her in the top league of Indian television earners.
However, Smriti Irani’s wealth lies not just in numbers but in influence and position. As a Cabinet Minister and key political figure, her net worth may not be as high on paper, but her power, reach, and stature in the country are far more significant in the broader sense of the word “rich.”
Final Thoughts
Both Rupali Ganguly and Smriti Irani have carved unique, trailblazing paths — one in entertainment, the other in governance. While Rupali commands TV screens with emotion and strength, Smriti shapes national policy and represents her constituency with resolve. One may have a higher net worth today, but both women are undoubtedly wealthy in talent, resilience, and legacy.
