Is Sidhu Charging Triple Archana Puran Singh's Fee For The Great Indian Kapil Show Comeback?

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Navjot Singh Sidhu is back on The Great Indian Kapil Show after 6 years. Reports suggest he's earning more than Archana Puran Singh. Here's what we know.
When it comes to comedy on Indian television, Archana Puran Singh is practically a household staple. Her infectious laugh and long-standing association with Kapil Sharma's comedy universe have made her an irreplaceable figure. And now, as The Great Indian Kapil Show gears up for its much-anticipated fourth season on Netflix, there's more buzz than ever—not just about the celebrity guests, but also the judges' paychecks.
Archana has been a constant presence in Kapil's comic ensemble since she replaced Navjot Singh Sidhu in 2019. But this season marks a major shake-up, as Sidhu is returning to the judge's chair alongside Archana for the first time in six years. Naturally, fans are curious—how much are they making per episode?
According to a report by Siasat, Archana Puran Singh is estimated to earn between ₹10 to ₹12 lakh per episode for her participation on the show. While these numbers are not officially confirmed, they offer a glimpse into just how valuable her presence is to the format. Known for her boisterous, spontaneous laughter, Archana recently addressed online trolls and jokes made by Kapil himself about her being 'paid to laugh."
In a candid conversation with The Indian Express, she responded with characteristic wit: 'Yes, I am paid to judge a comedy show, which is what I initially started doing with Comedy Circus. Now, I am paid to not judge Kapil's show, but to be a celebrity guest. I don't even know what my role is. Kapil only keeps joking. How am I paid to laugh? In a way, I am paid to enjoy the show—and because my enjoyment is very loud and spontaneous, it translates to I am paid to laugh."
But what about Navjot Singh Sidhu, whose return has created quite the buzz?
As per Filmibeat, Sidhu is reportedly charging a whopping ₹30 to ₹40 lakh per episode—nearly triple what Archana is speculated to earn. While he hasn't held the judge's post since being removed from the show in 2019 following his controversial remarks on the Pulwama attack, Sidhu did recently appear as a guest with his wife, Harbhajan Singh, and Geeta Basra.
Despite the pay gap, Archana seems unfazed. With her trademark laugh and on-screen charm, she continues to hold her own—cementing her legacy not just as a judge, but as an entertainer who truly enjoys what she does.
The Great Indian Kapil Show will begin streaming its fourth season on Netflix starting June 21, with Salman Khan appearing as the opening episode's first celebrity guest. Laughter, banter, and unexpected moments await—along with two judges, both well-paid to enjoy the show in their own inimitable ways.

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