Television has a way of creating stars that feel like family. And if there is one name that has dominated Indian television in recent years, it is Gaurav Khanna. From playing the beloved Anuj Kapadia in Anupamaa to winning not one but two major reality shows in a single year, Gaurav Khanna has proven that talent, consistency, and a grounded personality can take you a long way.
But beyond the glitz and the trophies lies a story that is equal parts inspiring and relatable. A middle-class boy from Kanpur who traded a corporate career for the uncertain world of acting. A man who faced financial setbacks, battled labels like “panauti” (unlucky), and yet emerged stronger. Today, he is one of the most bankable faces on Indian television. But who is Gaurav Khanna really? Let us dive deep into his life, career, net worth, family, and everything in between.
Quick Info Table
Biography
Gaurav Khanna is an Indian television actor who has been a familiar face on the small screen for nearly two decades. Born on December 11, 1981, in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, he rose from a middle-class background to become one of television’s most celebrated actors.
What sets Gaurav apart is not just his acting prowess but his ability to reinvent himself. He began his career in the early 2000s with supporting roles, gradually building a reputation as a reliable performer. But it was his portrayal of Anuj Kapadia in Anupamaa that made him a household name. The character, with its signature glasses—a look Gaurav himself suggested during the first look test—became iconic.
In 2025, Gaurav took an unexpected turn by entering the reality television space. He won Celebrity MasterChef India, surprising everyone with his culinary skills. Later that year, he entered the Bigg Boss 19 house and emerged as the winner, taking home the trophy and a cash prize of ₹50 lakh. This double victory made him one of the most talked-about celebrities of the year.
Early Life
Gaurav Khanna was born and raised in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, in a close-knit, middle-class family. His father, Vinod Khanna, worked as an exporter, and his mother, Shashi Khanna, was a homemaker who played a pivotal role in supporting his ambitions. He also has an elder sister, Priya Mehrotra.
Growing up, Gaurav was creative but focused on academics. He completed his schooling at Seth Anandram Jaipuria School in Kanpur. Unlike many actors who knew from a young age that they wanted to perform, Gaurav’s journey into acting was not a childhood dream but a conscious decision made later in life.
Education
Gaurav Khanna holds a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) degree. He completed his schooling at Seth Anandram Jaipuria School, Kanpur, and later pursued his MBA at Dr. Virendra Swarup Education Centre in Kanpur.
After completing his MBA, he worked as a marketing manager at an IT firm for nearly a year before starting his acting career.
This corporate stint is often overlooked in celebrity biographies, but it is a crucial part of Gaurav’s story. He had a stable, well-paying job. But something was missing. The corporate world, with its spreadsheets and deadlines, did not fulfill him. So, he took a leap of faith—one that would eventually define his life.
Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 5′ 9″ (175 cm) |
| Weight | 70 kg (154 lbs) |
| Eye Colour | Dark Brown |
| Hair Colour | Black |
| Body Measurements | Chest: 41 Inches, Waist: 30 Inches, Biceps: 15 Inches |
Career Journey
The Early Years (2004–2007)
Gaurav made his acting debut in 2005 with a brief appearance in Siddhanth. His first appearance on television was in Bhabhi as Bhuvan Sareen. He next appeared in Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan.
In 2007, he landed his first lead role in Meri Doli Tere Angana.
The Rise to Prominence (2008–2020)
Over the next decade, Gaurav built a steady career with notable performances in shows such as:
- Jeevan Saathi – Humsafar Zindagi Ke as Neil Fernandez
- CID as Senior Inspector Kavin
- Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kam alongside Yami Gautam
- Tere Bin as Dr. Akshay Sinha
- Prem Ya Paheli – Chandrakanta as Prince Virendra Singh
- Love Ne Mila Di Jodi
- Byaah Hamari Bahoo Ka
During this period, Gaurav became a recognizable face, but he was not yet a superstar. In 2011, he hosted Nachle Ve with Saroj Khan’s season 3.
The Anupamaa Breakthrough (2021–2024)
In 2021, Gaurav joined the cast of Anupamaa as Anuj Kapadia. The show, headlined by Rupali Ganguly, was already a massive hit. But Gaurav’s entry as Anuj Kapadia changed the course of the show and became one of the most loved turning points in its history.
The character of Anuj Kapadia—charming, mature, and deeply in love with Anupamaa—resonated with audiences. Gaurav’s portrayal earned him the Indian Telly Award for Best Actor in a Lead Role.
However, in December 2024, Gaurav confirmed his exit from the show, stating, “For now, Anuj’s chapter is closed.” He added, “I see it as a comma, not a full stop.” His abrupt departure left fans shocked and sparked speculation about behind-the-scenes tensions, which he dismissed.
The Reality TV Era (2025)
2025 was the year Gaurav Khanna became a reality TV legend.
First, he participated in Celebrity MasterChef India and won the title, becoming India’s first-ever Celebrity MasterChef champion. His culinary skills impressed the judges and audiences alike. Interestingly, he revealed his color-blindness during the show. He took home a cash prize of ₹20 lakh.
Next, he entered the Bigg Boss 19 house. Unlike many contestants who rely on drama and confrontation, Gaurav stood out for his composure, consistency, and mental resilience. He avoided unnecessary disputes, articulated his views with reason, and maintained a grounded presence.
On December 7, 2025, Gaurav was announced as the winner of Bigg Boss 19, defeating Farrhana Bhatt, Tanya Mittal, Pranit More, and Amaal Mallik. He took home the trophy and a cash prize of ₹50 lakh.
Current Projects
As of 2026, Gaurav Khanna is reportedly in talks for several new projects. While he has not confirmed any specific show, fans are eagerly awaiting his return to television. He has hinted at the possibility of returning to Anupamaa if there is something interesting, but nothing has been officially announced.
Family Details
Gaurav Khanna comes from a supportive middle-class family in Kanpur.
| Family Member | Details |
|---|---|
| Father | Vinod Khanna – Exporter |
| Mother | Shashi Khanna – Homemaker |
| Siblings | One elder sister, Priya Mehrotra |
Wife / Relationship Status
Gaurav Khanna married television actress Akanksha Chamola on November 24, 2016, in Kanpur.
However, in 2026, their relationship became the subject of intense media scrutiny. Akanksha, who was a contestant on Lock Upp 2, revealed that she and Gaurav had been living separately for 18 months and were heading for a divorce.
Gaurav later clarified that while they are separated, they are still legally married and have not yet filed for divorce. He also stated that he would not tolerate any criticism against Akanksha. As of August 2026, reports suggest that the legal process is nearly complete, with only the final paperwork remaining.
Net Worth
Gaurav Khanna’s estimated net worth is reported to be between ₹8 crore and ₹15 crore.
It is worth noting that Gaurav had mentioned in a vlog that he had not yet received the ₹50 lakh prize money from Bigg Boss 19 as of March 2026. However, he later clarified that the video was recorded 40 days earlier and that he had since received the money.
Cars & Lifestyle
Gaurav Khanna enjoys a comfortable lifestyle. He owns:
He also owns a luxury flat in Mumbai and a family home in Kanpur.
Controversies
The MasterChef Cooking Controversy
After winning Celebrity MasterChef India, Gaurav faced severe trolling when he refused to cook Indian food in the Bigg Boss 19 house. Netizens called him a “Farzi Bawarchi” (fake chef).
Gaurav’s team clarified that MasterChef involves preparing one guided dish, whereas Bigg Boss requires cooking daily meals for a group without supervision—something he had never done before.
Separation from Akanksha Chamola
The couple’s separation has been widely covered in the media. While Akanksha announced their impending divorce on Lock Upp 2, Gaurav clarified that they remain legally married. This has sparked debates about privacy, relationships, and the pressures of being in the public eye.
Financial Betrayal
In a candid interview, Gaurav revealed that in 2014, he suffered huge financial losses when friends betrayed him and took his money. He also lost 60% of his money in property losses. Then, just eight days before his wedding in 2016, demonetization happened.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Gaurav is color-blind—he revealed this during Celebrity MasterChef India.
- He was tagged as the “Shah Rukh Khan of TV” early in his career.
- He used a pseudonym when he first met his wife, Akanksha Chamola, during an audition.
- He worked as a marketing manager in an IT firm before becoming an actor.
- He won two major reality shows in a single year—Celebrity MasterChef India and Bigg Boss 19.
- He was labeled “panauti” (unlucky) after some of his shows flopped—a tag he still fears today.
- He is the only vegetarian contestant on Celebrity MasterChef.
Awards & Achievements
| Award | Category | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Telly Award | Best Actor in a Lead Role (for Anupamaa) | 2023 |
| Celebrity MasterChef India | Winner | 2025 |
| Bigg Boss 19 | Winner | 2025 |
He has also received nominations for ITA Awards, Gold Awards, and Best Jodi nominations.
Career Timeline
TV Shows List
- Bhabhi (2005)
- Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan
- Meri Doli Tere Angana (2007)
- Jeevan Saathi – Humsafar Zindagi Ke
- CID
- Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kam
- Tere Bin
- Prem Ya Paheli – Chandrakanta
- Love Ne Mila Di Jodi
- Byaah Hamari Bahoo Ka
- Anupamaa (2021–2024)
Social Media Presence
Gaurav Khanna is active on social media, where he shares updates about his professional and personal life.
| Platform | Username | Followers (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| @gauravkhannaofficial | 2.5M+ | |
| Twitter/X | @gkforever | 200K+ |
| Gaurav Khanna | 500K+ |
FAQs
1. Who is Gaurav Khanna?
2. Why is Gaurav Khanna famous?
3. What is Gaurav Khanna’s net worth?
4. Is Gaurav Khanna in a relationship?
6. What is Gaurav Khanna’s age?
A: As of August 2026, Gaurav Khanna is 44 years old (he turns 45 on December 11, 2026).
7. What controversies is Gaurav Khanna involved in?
A: Gaurav has been involved in two major controversies: the MasterChef cooking controversy where he was trolled for refusing to cook in Bigg Boss 19, and his highly publicized separation from wife Akanksha Chamola.A
Conclusion
Gaurav Khanna’s journey from a middle-class boy in Kanpur to one of Indian television’s most celebrated actors is nothing short of inspiring. He has faced financial setbacks, battled labels, and navigated the complexities of personal relationships in the public eye. Yet, through it all, he has remained grounded, consistent, and true to his craft.
His double victory in Celebrity MasterChef India and Bigg Boss 19 in 2025 cemented his place as a reality TV legend. And while his personal life continues to make headlines, his professional achievements speak for themselves. Gaurav Khanna is not just a star—he is a testament to the fact that resilience, hard work, and authenticity never go out of style.
About the Author
This article was written by an experienced husbandsbio entertainment journalist with a deep understanding of the Indian television industry. The information has been gathered from credible sources including Wikipedia, India Forums, IMDb, and official interviews to ensure accuracy and depth.
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