Introduction
In the realm of Indian television, Gaurav Khanna has long been synonymous with warmth, stability, and that reliable on-screen charm. Known for portraying iconic roles in CID and the smash hit Anupamaa, he now steps into uncharted territory—Bigg Boss 19.
With decades of acting mastery behind him, viewers are eager to see how his measured persona fares under the unpredictability of Bigg Boss. This article unpacks his trajectory—from humble beginnings to television stardom, and now the electrifying reality show stage.
Early Life & Education
Born on 11 December 1981 in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Gaurav grew up in a grounded environment that valued determination and humility (Wikipedia). Before the glitz, he spent nearly a year working in the corporate world as a marketing manager for an IT firm—proof his journey to TV was anything but scripted (Wikipedia).
Career Journey
Breaking into Television
Gaurav’s TV debut was a cameo on a Star One show—"One Night Stand"—playing a college student named Sunny (India Forums). He then steadily climbed the ladder with appearances in Bhabhi, Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan, and his first lead role in Meri Doli Tere Angana (2007) (Wikipedia).
Rise to Fame
Roles that cemented his fame include Neil Fernandez in Jeevan Saathi, Inspector Kavin in CID, Dr. Akshay Sinha in Tere Bin, and Prince Virendra Singh in Prem Ya Paheli – Chandrakanta (Wikipedia). But it was as Anuj Kapadia in Anupamaa (2021–2024) that his popularity soared—earning him the Indian Telly Award for Best Actor (Editorial), plus numerous nominations and wins at ITA and Gold Awards (Wikipedia).
Reality Show Ventures
In 2025, Gaurav expanded his repertoire by competing in—and winning—Celebrity MasterChef India, showcasing his quieter talents beyond acting (Wikipedia).
Joining Bigg Boss 19: The New Chapter
As of August 2025, Gaurav Khanna has entered Bigg Boss 19, adding a new dimension to his career (The Times of India, The Indian Express).
Why He Joined
In media interactions, Gaurav revealed he signed up to test himself—to rediscover that daring young man who first took the leap into the unknown. “This isn't for the money…it’s to understand what kind of person I am,” he said (The Indian Express, BollywoodShaadis).
Early Buzz & Power Presence
Within days, he has become a standout figure—loved by fans and viewers alike for his calm charisma and familiarity. India Today dubbed him the first “power player” of the season (India Today). His strong fanbase has even made him the most talked-about contestant on social media (India Today, The Times of India).
Recent News & Controversies
Nominations & Eviction Drama
Shockingly, despite a low-conflict strategy early on, Gaurav found himself nominated for eviction in Week 1—alongside other names—creating early tension (Indiatimes).
Clash with Awez Darbar
One of the season’s first major conflicts unfolded when Gaurav confronted Awez Darbar after being nominated. The exchange became heated, leaving Darbar visibly emotional and viewers polarized (BollywoodShaadis, India Forums).
Accusation of Being “Authoritative”
Further stirring intrigue, fellow contestant Nehal Chudasama labeled him “authoritative,” signaling possible power struggles ahead (The Times of India).
Contributions & Impact
Gaurav Khanna is much more than a TV star—he represents:
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Role Model for Stability: From the beloved husband on Anupamaa to dependable TV characters, he’s the “green-flag” personality viewers root for (India Today).
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Versatility Across Platforms: Whether it’s fiction, cooking shows, or reality TV, Gaurav adapts seamlessly, showing his diverse appeal.
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A Quiet Leader: His disciplined demeanor inside the Bigg Boss house (waking before the alarm, camera awareness) adds a measured tone to the chaotic format (India Today).
Personal Life & Interests
Gaurav married TV actress Akanksha Chamola in 2016, tying the knot in his Kanpur hometown. The couple has been described as grounded and low-key, with Akanksha playfully highlighting his midnight snack habits on social media (Wikipedia, Free Job Alert).
He even revealed his colour-blindness during MasterChef, further showcasing his authenticity (Wikipedia).
Recognition & Awards
Gaurav’s acting has earned acclaim across platforms:
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Indian Telly Award — Best Actor (Editorial) for Anupamaa (Wikipedia).
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Indian Telly Awards 2023 — won Best On-screen Couple and Best Lead Role (Jury) (Wikipedia).
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Reality Recognition — Winner of Celebrity MasterChef India, securing both the title and a cash prize (Wikipedia).
Legacy & Future Outlook
Gaurav Khanna’s legacy is built on consistency, sincerity, and quiet excellence. As he navigates Bigg Boss 19, he brings years of experience and authenticity to the unpredictable reality show world. Whether he wins or not, this stint will likely enrich his emotional range and broaden his appeal for diverse roles. His next decade looks ready to blend TV dominance, non-fiction credibility, and perhaps more film or digital ventures.
Top Interesting Facts about Gaurav Khanna
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IT to TV Star: Worked as a marketing manager before pursuing acting full-time.
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Iconic on Screen: Known for roles in CID and Anupamaa.
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MasterChef Winner: Crowned champion of Celebrity MasterChef India (2025).
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Reality Debut: Bigg Boss 19 marks his first appearance in a reality competition.
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Power Player: Garnered early recognition as the house’s key influencer.
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Personal Honesty: Open about being colour-blind—something rarely discussed by celebrities.
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Stable Marriage: Married to actress Akanksha Chamola since 2016; known for their grounded relationship.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who is Gaurav Khanna?
Gaurav Khanna is a celebrated Indian television actor, famous for shows like CID and Anupamaa, and winner of Celebrity MasterChef India.
Q2: How old is Gaurav Khanna?
Born on 11 December 1981, he is 43 years old in 2025 (Wikipedia).
Q3: Why did Gaurav join Bigg Boss 19?
He joined to challenge himself and rediscover his inner youth, stating it's not about money but personal growth (The Indian Express, BollywoodShaadis).
Q4: Is Gaurav the highest-paid contestant this season?
While rumors suggested so, Gaurav neither confirmed nor denied it, emphasizing he doesn't judge actors by pay (www.ndtv.com, BollywoodShaadis).
Q5: Has Gaurav received any awards for his acting?
Yes—he won the Indian Telly Award for Best Actor (Editorial) and multiple awards for his performance in Anupamaa (Wikipedia).
Q6: What notable controversy has he faced on the show?
He clashed with Awez Darbar over nomination remarks, and also was labeled “authoritative” by Nehal Chudasama (BollywoodShaadis, India Forums, The Times of India).
Q7: Who is Gaurav Khanna married to?
He's married to TV actress Akanksha Chamola since 2016, and they lead a low-profile yet affectionate life (Wikipedia).
Conclusion
Gaurav Khanna continues to be a refreshing presence—whether as TV’s dependable husband, MasterChef winner, or now Bigg Boss 19 contestant. His journey remains defined by heartfelt authenticity, thoughtful choices, and the courage to reinvent himself. As the season unfolds, viewers will witness not just his gameplay, but the resilience of a seasoned actor challenging his own boundaries.
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