Gaurav Khanna has emerged as one of Indian television’s most successful actors after adding two major reality show titles to his career in 2025. Best known for portraying Anuj Kapadia in the hit television drama Anupamaa, Khanna won both Celebrity MasterChef India and Bigg Boss 19, expanding his popularity beyond fiction television.

These back-to-back victories came after nearly two decades of consistent work in the entertainment industry, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most respected faces on Indian television.

Early Life and Education

Gaurav Khanna was born on December 11, 1981, in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh.

Unlike many actors, he did not begin his professional journey in the entertainment industry. After completing his MBA from Dr. Virendra Swarup Education Centre in Kanpur, he worked as a marketing manager at an IT company for nearly a year.

His corporate background helped shape the discipline and professionalism that later became hallmarks of his acting career.

Eventually, he decided to pursue acting and moved into television through commercial advertisements before securing his first television roles.

Beginning His Television Career

Gaurav Khanna made his television debut with Bhabhi, followed by appearances in Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan.

His first major breakthrough as a lead actor came in Meri Doli Tere Angana (2007).

The show established him as a promising television actor and opened the door to larger opportunities.

Rise Through Popular Television Shows

Gaurav gained widespread recognition after playing Abeer Bajpayee in Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kam.

His performance earned appreciation for its emotional depth and natural screen presence, making him a familiar face among television audiences.

Over the following years, he appeared in several successful shows, including:

• Love Ne Mila Di Jodi
• CID
• Dil Se Diya Vachan
• Tere Bin
• Prem Ya Paheli – Chandrakanta

His role as Inspector Kavin in CID further broadened his audience and demonstrated his ability to perform across multiple genres.

Career Breakthrough with Anupamaa

A defining moment in Gaurav Khanna’s career arrived in 2021, when he joined Anupamaa as Anuj “AK” Kapadia.

The Star Plus drama consistently ranked among India’s highest-rated television shows, and Khanna’s portrayal of Anuj quickly became one of its biggest highlights.

Viewers praised his restrained and emotionally balanced performance, helping the character become one of the most loved personalities on Indian television.

His work earned him:

• Indian Telly Award for Best Actor in a Lead Role (Jury)
• Best Onscreen Couple Award alongside Rupali Ganguly

Between 2021 and 2024, Anuj Kapadia remained central to the show’s storyline, significantly elevating Gaurav Khanna’s popularity.

Historic Reality Show Success in 2025

In 2025, Gaurav Khanna entered reality television, beginning with Celebrity MasterChef India.

Despite revealing that he is colour-blind and follows a vegetarian diet, he consistently impressed the judges with his creativity, technique, and composure under pressure.

He went on to win the competition, adding a new dimension to his career.

Soon afterward, he joined Bigg Boss 19, one of India’s most watched reality shows.

Inside the house, Khanna maintained a calm, balanced, and strategic approach that resonated strongly with viewers.

He ultimately emerged as the winner of Bigg Boss 19, becoming one of the few television actors to win two major reality competitions within the same year.

The twin victories significantly expanded his fan base beyond daily television audiences.

Personal Life

Gaurav Khanna married television actress Akanksha Chamola on November 24, 2016, in Kanpur.

The couple largely keeps their personal life away from media attention and rarely discusses private matters publicly.

During Celebrity MasterChef India, Gaurav openly shared that he is colour-blind, making his cooking achievements even more remarkable because visual presentation plays an important role in culinary competitions.

He also competed as the only vegetarian contestant during the season.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Gaurav Khanna has received recognition from several television award platforms.

His achievements include:

• Indian Telly Award for Best Actor (Jury)
• Best Onscreen Couple Award with Rupali Ganguly
• Multiple nominations at the Indian Television Academy Awards
• Gold Awards nominations
• Bollywood Hungama Style Icons Award 2024 for Most Stylish TV Actor (Male)

These honours reflect both his acting ability and his growing influence in the television industry.

Career Beyond Fiction Television

With victories in both Celebrity MasterChef India and Bigg Boss 19, Gaurav Khanna has successfully expanded beyond scripted entertainment.

Industry observers believe this broader appeal could open opportunities in:

• Reality show hosting
• Digital entertainment platforms
• Lifestyle programming
• Brand endorsements
• Large-scale television events

His ability to connect with audiences across fiction and reality formats has strengthened his position as one of television’s most versatile personalities.

Looking Ahead

Gaurav Khanna’s career reflects consistent growth built through patience, versatility, and long-term commitment.

From daily soaps and crime dramas to reality television, he has steadily expanded his professional journey without relying on overnight success.

Following his remarkable achievements in 2025, he remains one of the most searched personalities on Indian television, with audiences eagerly awaiting his next project.

Most Searched FAQs

Q1. Who is Gaurav Khanna?

Gaurav Khanna is an Indian television actor best known for Anupamaa, Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kam, and CID. He also won Celebrity MasterChef India and Bigg Boss 19 in 2025.

Q2. What is Gaurav Khanna’s age?

Gaurav Khanna was born on December 11, 1981, and is 44 years old as of 2025.

Q3. Who is Gaurav Khanna’s wife?

Gaurav Khanna has been married to television actress Akanksha Chamola since 2016.

Q4. Which reality shows has Gaurav Khanna won?

He won Celebrity MasterChef India and Bigg Boss 19 in 2025.

Q5. Which role made Gaurav Khanna famous?

His portrayal of Anuj Kapadia in Anupamaa is considered the biggest milestone of his acting career.

Q6. What did Gaurav Khanna reveal during Celebrity MasterChef India?

He revealed that he is colour-blind and follows a vegetarian diet, making his victory on the cooking reality show particularly noteworthy.

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