Gaurav Khanna has added two major reality show titles to his career in 2025. The television actor, best known for playing Anuj Kapadia in Anupamaa, won both Celebrity MasterChef India and Bigg Boss 19. The wins came after nearly two decades of steady work in Hindi television. With these victories, Gaurav Khanna has strengthened his position as one of the most visible faces on Indian TV.
Born on 11 December 1981 in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Gaurav Khanna did not begin his career in acting. He worked as a marketing manager at an IT company for close to a year before entering the entertainment industry. He holds an MBA from Dr. Virendra Swarup Education Centre in Kanpur. That early corporate experience shaped his work ethic when he moved into television.
Early Television Work
Gaurav Khanna started with television commercials before making his debut in Bhabhi. He later appeared in Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan. His first major lead role came in 2007 with Meri Doli Tere Angana.
He gained wider attention with his role as Abeer Bajpayee in Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kam. The show helped establish him as a dependable lead actor in romantic dramas. He later played Inspector Kavin in CID, which expanded his audience base.
Over the years, he appeared in shows such as Love Ne Mila Di Jodi, Dil Se Diya Vachan, Tere Bin, and Prem Ya Paheli – Chandrakanta. Each role added to his range, from romantic leads to authority figures.
Career Peak With Anupamaa
Gaurav Khanna’s career reached a new level in 2021 when he joined Anupamaa as Anuj “AK” Kapadia. The show became one of the highest-rated dramas on Indian television.
His portrayal of Anuj Kapadia drew strong viewer response. The character stood out for emotional balance and restraint. Khanna won the Indian Telly Award for Best Actor in a Lead Role (Jury) for this performance. He also shared the Best Onscreen Couple award with co-star Rupali Ganguly.
Between 2021 and 2024, his role remained central to the show’s narrative. The sustained ratings success kept him in national focus.
Reality Show Wins in 2025
In 2025, Gaurav Khanna stepped into reality television. He participated in Celebrity MasterChef India. On the show, he revealed that he is colour-blind and follows a vegetarian diet. Despite these challenges, he impressed judges with skill and control. He won the season.
Soon after, he entered Bigg Boss 19 on Colors TV. The show tests social strategy, endurance, and adaptability. Khanna maintained a calm and steady presence inside the house. His approach resonated with viewers, and he emerged as the winner.
Winning both Celebrity MasterChef India and Bigg Boss 19 in the same year marked a rare achievement for a television actor with an established fiction career.
Personal Life
Gaurav Khanna married television actress Akanksha Chamola on 24 November 2016 in Kanpur. The couple keeps their personal life private and avoids frequent public appearances.
During Celebrity MasterChef India, Khanna shared details about being colour-blind. The revelation drew attention because cooking often relies on visual cues. He was also the only vegetarian contestant on the show, which added to the challenge.
Awards and Recognition
Over the years, Gaurav Khanna has received nominations at the Indian Television Academy Awards and the Gold Awards. His work in Anupamaa brought him both critical and audience recognition.
In 2024, he received the Bollywood Hungama Style Icons Award for Most Stylish TV Actor of the Year (Male). The recognition reflected both his screen presence and off-screen image.
Current Standing
Gaurav Khanna has worked in television since 2005. His career shows gradual growth rather than sudden fame. From daily soaps to crime dramas and reality television, he has remained active across formats.
With his 2025 reality show wins, his audience base has widened beyond scripted television viewers. Industry observers note that such crossover success often opens opportunities in hosting, digital content, and larger entertainment formats.
As of 2025, Gaurav Khanna remains one of the most searched names in Indian television, especially after his wins on Celebrity MasterChef India and Bigg Boss 19.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who is Gaurav Khanna?
A leading Indian television actor and reality show winner, best known for his roles in Anupamaa, Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kam, and CID. He won Celebrity MasterChef India and Bigg Boss 19 in 2025.
Q2. What is Gaurav Khanna’s age?
He is 44 years old (born 11 December 1981).
Q3. Who is Gaurav Khanna’s wife?
He is 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.






