Anupamaa Salaries: Rupali Ganguly Earns Double Co-Stars?

Anupamaa, the long-running family drama on StarPlus that premiered in July 2020, continues to dominate daily soap viewership well into its sixth year. At the centre of its enduring success stands Rupali Ganguly in the titular role of Anupamaa — a character whose journey of self-discovery and resilience has resonated deeply with audiences across India. As the show’s undisputed lead, Ganguly’s compensation has drawn considerable attention, especially when compared to that of her prominent co-stars.

Industry reports, including a detailed piece published by The Times of India, indicate that Ganguly currently commands between ₹3 lakh and ₹3.5 lakh per episode. This figure marks a significant increase from her initial reported range of ₹30,000–₹35,000 per episode when the series debuted. The hike aligns with the show’s rising TRP performance, widespread social media engagement — including viral dialogues — and Ganguly’s growing stature as one of Indian television’s most bankable stars. Her distinctive delivery, emotional depth, and ability to carry complex storylines have made her indispensable to the narrative, justifying the premium pay scale for the lead actor in a top-rated daily soap.

In contrast, Gaurav Khanna, who portrayed Anuj Kapadia — Anupamaa’s husband and a central figure in many high-stakes emotional arcs — reportedly earned around ₹1.5 lakh per episode during his tenure. Khanna exited the show in 2024, a move that sparked considerable discussion among fans but did not diminish the programme’s momentum. Similarly, Sudhanshu Pandey, who essayed the role of Vanraj Shah for several years, is said to have received approximately ₹1.5 lakh per episode. Pandey’s portrayal of the conflicted patriarch earned him praise for nuance and intensity, yet his remuneration remained notably lower than Ganguly’s current rate.

Supporting cast members earned considerably less. Madalsa Sharma (Kavya), Aashish Mehrotra, Nidhi Shah, and several others reportedly received between ₹30,000 and ₹40,000 per episode — figures typical for recurring or second-tier roles in flagship Hindi GEC dramas.

The disparity highlights a well-established pattern in Indian television: lead actors in daily soaps, particularly those whose characters drive the storyline and anchor viewer loyalty, command significantly higher fees. In high-TRP shows like Anupamaa, the principal performer often earns two to three times more than key supporting players, reflecting both market demand and the actor’s individual draw. Ganguly’s pay — roughly double that of Khanna and Pandey — fits this industry norm, especially given Anupamaa’s consistent top rankings and her contribution to its cultural footprint.

These salary details, drawn from credible entertainment media reports, remain unofficial as production houses and actors rarely disclose exact figures publicly. Fluctuations can occur based on contract renewals, storyline prominence, and overall show performance. Nonetheless, the reported numbers provide insight into the economics of long-format television in India, where daily episodes translate to substantial annual earnings for top talent.

As Anupamaa marches toward new milestones, Ganguly’s position as the highest-paid cast member underscores her pivotal role in sustaining the show’s popularity. For viewers, the focus remains on the drama unfolding on screen; for the industry, these pay scales serve as a barometer of star value in one of television’s most competitive genres. Whether the gap narrows with future cast additions or storyline shifts, Rupali Ganguly’s remuneration stands as a clear marker of her influence in contemporary Indian soap operas.