Gaurav Khanna, a well-known Indian TV actor known for playing Anuj Kapadia in Anupamaa, has once again made headlines across the country. This time, he won Bigg Boss 19 on December 7, 2025. His win is a big deal for Indian reality TV, not only because of how big the show was, but also because of how he won: he was calm, dignified, and consistent, breaking the stereotype that only loud, dramatic contestants make it to the top.
We look at Gaurav Khanna’s life story, early years, acting career, successful reality show journey, personal life, controversies, achievements, and what comes next for him after winning Bigg Boss in this in-depth biography.
Table of Contents
Gaurav Khanna Biography, Age, Birthplace, Education, Wife, Net Worth, Big boss Award, and More
- Full Name: Gaurav Khanna
- Profession: Actor, Reality TV Artist
- Date of Birth: 11 December 1981
- Age (2025): 44 Years
- Birthplace: Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Education: MBA (Marketing)
- Wife: Akanksha Chamola (Actress)
- Known For: Anupamaa, CID, Bigg Boss 19 Winner, Celebrity MasterChef Winner
- Nationality: Indian
- Years Active: 2006–Present
- Religion: Hindu
- Height: 5’9” (Approx.)
- Net Worth (2025): Estimated ₹10–12 Crores
- Award (Latest): Bigg Boss 19 Trophy + ₹50 Lakh Prize
The Calm Mind That Won Bigg Boss 19
Gaurav Khanna has had a great year in 2025. Gaurav was already a well-known TV star known for being down-to-earth and mature on screen. He surprised everyone by joining Bigg Boss 19, one of India’s most unpredictable reality shows. Contestants often use anger, conflict, and controversy to stay in the spotlight, but Gaurav chose a different path: quiet strength, emotional maturity, and strategic silence.
Fans liked that he never got into fights that weren’t necessary. His polite behavior, patience, and steady behavior not only made him stand out, but they also changed what people thought a “Bigg Boss winner” could look like.
His win after spending 105 days in the house became one of the most talked-about events of December 2025. Gaurav Khanna is not just a TV actor today; he is a symbol of how being real can win out over chaos.
Gaurav Khanna Early Life & Background
Gaurav grew up in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, in a middle-class family. His father, Vinod Khanna (not the Bollywood actor), worked in the export business, and his mother, Shashi Khanna, took care of the family.
Gaurav’s path was different from that of many actors who start their careers in the entertainment industry at a young age. He went to school in Kanpur, then went to college in Mumbai, where he got his MBA in Marketing.
He worked as a marketing manager for an IT company for almost a year, living a stable but boring corporate life. But fate had other plans. While he was in Mumbai, he tried out for advertising jobs, and soon after that, he got modeling jobs. That eventually led to a career in television.
Gaurav Khanna Acting Career: From Modelling to TV Stardom
It wasn’t planned for Gaurav Khanna to become an actor; he slowly moved from modeling to TV. He got his start in shows like Bhabhi, where he played his first role, and Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan, where he played his first lead role. He also played Senior Inspector Kavin in CID, which is one of his most famous roles.
But the Hindi serial Anupamaa, which was a huge hit, really made him famous.
Rise to Fame with Anupamaa
Gaurav joined the cast of Anupamaa as Anuj Kapadia, and his performance won the hearts of millions right away. The character became famous for being calm, romantic, idealistic, and emotionally stable, and it made Gaurav very popular all over the country. He won the Indian Telly Award for Best Actor in the Editorial Category for his work
Reality Shows: A New Side of Gaurav
Winner of Celebrity MasterChef India (2025)
In 2025, Gaurav took part in the first season of Celebrity MasterChef India, which was a surprise. Even though he was a vegetarian and color-blind, he wowed the judges with his creativity and discipline.
He won the season, which earned him:
- The Celebrity MasterChef Trophy
- A cash prize of ₹20 lakh
- Set of kitchen tools
This win showed a whole new side of him: focused, hard-working, and eager to learn..
Bigg Boss 19 (2025): The Defining Moment
But the best thing that happened to him in his career happened later that year.
Gaurav Khanna won Bigg Boss 19 on December 7, 2025.
He got a trophy, ₹50 lakh in cash, and a car (according to reports). His journey was different because he stayed calm, stayed out of trouble, and still won, which is not something that Bigg Boss winners are known for.
Why Gaurav Khanna Won Bigg Boss 19
Some major factors behind his historic win include:
1. A Calm, Dignified Game
Gaurav didn’t want to get into fights just for the sake of getting footage during the show. He stood out because of this maturity.
2. Authentic Personality
He didn’t “act” to get more time on screen. His realness really connected with both family audiences and older viewers.
3. Selective but Strong Stand
He wasn’t loud, but he did speak clearly about important issues without dragging out arguments.
4. Respect From the Host
Salman Khan liked how he played with quiet consistency and dignity.
5. Massive Fan Support
His win was mostly due to his existing fans from Anupamaa and new viewers who liked how real he was
Controversies & Criticism After the Win
There is always drama outside the house at the end of a Bigg Boss journey.
• Some people said he “did nothing” to win the trophy.
• Some of the contestants said he was “fake calm” or even “a fixed winner.”
• There were arguments on social media, with some agreeing with him and others disagreeing.
But Gaurav took all the criticism with grace. His response to trolls: “Trolls are talking about me too, which means I matter.” His calm answer showed once more why he had won in the first place.
Gaurav Khanna’s Personal Life: Marriage, Family & Off-Screen Personality
Gaurav Khanna and actress Akanksha Chamola got married in 2016. The couple often posts pictures of their relationship on social media, which indicates that they are a supportive and stable couple.
As of 2025:
- • They don’t have kids yet
- • His wife has said in public that they aren’t in a hurry to have a baby People know that Gaurav is humble, polite, and down to earth. People who know him well, like friends and fellow artists, say he is disciplined, spiritual, and very loyal.
Gaurav Khanna’s Achievements
• Indian Telly Award for Anupamaa
• Winner of Celebrity MasterChef India 2025
• Winner of Bigg Boss 19 (2025)
• More than 20 successful TV shows
• One of India’s most respected TV actors
What’s Next for Gaurav Khanna?
Recent news reports say that
• He will work with Anupamaa producer Rajan Shahi again.
• After winning Bigg Boss, he is expected to get new TV shows, OTT series, and hosting jobs.
• Major brands may hire him to promote their products if he gets more attention.
• He might move on from daily soaps to work on a wider range of projects, like judging reality shows and OTT dramas. He is likely to have one of the best years of his career in 2026
Conclusion
Gaurav Khanna’s life shows how to be persistent, humble, and real. His story is inspiring: he went from being a middle-class boy in Kanpur to getting an MBA and working in IT, then from being a TV actor to winning India’s biggest reality show.
His win on Bigg Boss 19 shows that being calm, dignified, and honest can help you win even in the loudest and most chaotic places. Gaurav’s story shows that you can stay true to yourself and still get to the top.
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