The National Award-winning actress began her television journey during the mid-90s. The rest, as they say, is history!
There’s a common belief in India that when a film actor shifts to television, it’s a step down in their stardom. When Amitabh Bachchan decided to host Kaun Banega Crorepati after a series of box office failures, many called it a bad move. But we all know what happened next, how he not only revived his career but also changed the face of Indian television. Kirron Kher’s story follows a similar arc. She began her acting journey back in the 1980s, and while she earned critical acclaim for her powerful performances in parallel films like 'Sardari Begum' and 'Bariwali', and charmed audiences in commercial hits like 'Om Shanti Om', none of these brought her the mass appeal that television did. It's her small screen appearances, whether as a judge or a host, that made her a household name. Maybe it’s her warmth, maybe it’s her candid nature, or maybe it’s her effortless humor—but she feels like someone we all know, and can connect with effortlessly.
Today, on Kirron Ji's birthday, we look back at her remarkable television journey—and how she rules it with heart and honesty.
Kirron Kher’s television innings began in the mid-1990s when she had already made her mark as a powerful theater actor and slowly making her niche in the film industry. Her small screen debut came with 'Purushkshetra' on Zee TV, a bold and progressive talk show that explored topics like gender and identity—virtually unheard of on Indian TV back then. With her hosting, she became a facilitator of change, lending her voice to stories that needed to be told. She later hosted Kirron Kher Today and Jagte Raho with Kirron Kher, which further showcased her empathetic and commanding screen presence.
Reflecting on those early years, she once said in an interview, “Television gave me a chance to connect with people in a way films never could. It felt like welcoming the audience into my own home.”
The true turning point in Kirron’s TV career came in 2009 when she joined the judging panel of India’s Got Talent (IGT). From the get-go, she brought depth, emotion, and a motherly charm to the show. Alongside co-judges like Shilpa Shetty and later Badshah, she became the soul of the show—cheering, laughing, crying, and celebrating performers from every corner of India.
.@sidharth_shukla & @KirronKherBJP rocking the stage of #IGT7. Catch them in action on @ColorsTV pic.twitter.com/HC3X0qsivK
— India's Got Talent (@IGTonColors) April 26, 2016
(Credit: India's Got Talent)
But Kirron’s role on IGT was never limited to judging. She became a storyteller, a nurturer, and often a mirror to the dreams and emotions of ordinary people with extraordinary talent. Even after being diagnosed with a serious disease in 2020, she continued to appear on the show. “I just couldn’t give it up,” she shared in a 2024 interview.
What made Kirron Kher so special on TV? Well, simply put, it was her perfect blend of approachability and star power. She was glamorous yet grounded, authoritative yet warm. Her spirited Punjabi energy, her theatre-trained dialogue delivery, and her unfiltered honesty made her a beloved presence.
From offering a standing ovation to a breathtaking act or teasing a co-judge with a playful jibe, Kirron’s screen presence was magnetic. Her chemistry with contestants and co-judges alike made her segments feel intimate and real. During Season 9, for example, her reaction to the Crazy Poppers dance group left audiences teary-eyed and reminded everyone why she remained the heart of the show.
(Credit: SET India)
Kirron’s exact TV earnings aren’t publicly disclosed, but estimates suggest her annual income (from all combined) hovers around $1.5 million (approx. Rs 37 crore), with a net worth estimated at $1.3 million. Considering the popularity of India’s Got Talent, it’s likely a significant chunk came from her judging role. Top TV personalities in India reportedly earn upwards of Rs 1.5 lakh per episode, and Kirron—with her iconic status—would command similar, if not higher, remuneration.
With @AnupamPKher on Diwali in Bombay ♥️♥️ pic.twitter.com/XsknMwdagO
— Kirron Kher (@KirronKherBJP) November 2, 2024
(Credit: Kirron Kher)
It would not be wrong to say that Kirron’s presence on India’s Got Talent is a cultural symbol. For many viewers, she embodies warmth, wisdom, and wittiness. Fans affectionately call her “India’s TV mom” or “Nani of the Nation.” Her advocacy for young performers, underdogs, and marginalized voices gives reality TV a rare dose of heart.
Kirron Kher has come a long way on television, and how! She is a phenomenon, who reminds us real magic happens when heart meets talent.
