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Television's Highest-Paid Actors

We decided to take a look at the highest-paid television actors today, and Smriti -- even with her present pay -- topped the list.

Here are the top five earners:

Smriti Irani
Claim to Fame: Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi
Character: Tulsi Virani
Fee: Rs 100,000 per day (as industry sources said)

'The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.' It's this adage that Smriti Zubin Irani, also known as Tulsi Mihir Virani, has lived her life by. Actress, producer and politician, this former Miss India contestant has come a long way. During her struggling years, Smriti worked at McDonalds, served burgers, appeared for countless auditions and even cleaned floors. That's what you call a rags to riches story.

Saakshi Tanwar
Claim to Fame: Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii
Character: Parvati Agarwal
Fee: Rs 45,000 per day (as industry sources said)

The demure Parvati Agarwal is perhaps the soul of Kahaani Ghar Ghar Kii. She is the daughter-in-law who sets the bar for every bahu in India. Even today, when the show has taken another 18-year leap, it is Saakshi's portrayal of Janki Devi that glues viewers to the screens.

Like her contemporaries, Saakshi also made it big in the city of dreams after starting life in Alwar in Rajasthan. A former computer software consultant, she resides in the hearts of millions thanks to a role she had almost refused. But, like they say, some things are just meant to be.

Shweta Tiwari
Claim to Fame: Kasautii Zindagi Kay
Character: Prerna
Fee: Rs 35,000 per day (as industry sources said)

This pretty commerce graduate from Mumbai's Burhani's College has won the adoration and applause of critics and fans alike as Prerna in Kasautii Zindagi Kay.

She has always believed in herself and been very vocal. Today, she finds it strange that most people know her more by her screen name than her real name. But after six years of screen time, we are not surprised.

Ronit Roy
Claim To Fame: Kasautii Zindagi Kay/Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi
Characters: Rishab Bajaj/Mihir Virani
Fee: Rs 1 million a month (as industry sources said)

After Ronit's first Hindi film Jaan Tere Naam did well, he was sure life would be one big party. Sadly, fate had other plans and all his other films bombed.

A few years later, there came an offer for an eight-week cameo in an upcoming show, Kasautii Zindagi Kay. But even Ronit would have laughed if you told him that his cameo as Rishab Bajaj would catapult him to superstardom and make him a household name.

Today, Ronit aka Rishabh Bajaj plays characters most actors can only dream of. Just when one thought it couldn't get any bigger or better, Ronit stepped into the shoes of Mihir Virani, a character who, in Ronit's own words, has raced ahead of his Kasautii character.