Gaurav Khanna Biography: Age, Career, Bigg Boss 19 Journey, TV Shows & Achievements

When the lights dimmed and Salman Khan called his name on the grand premiere of Bigg Boss 19, the audience erupted. Out walked Gaurav Khanna, dapper, confident, and smiling like a man who knew he was stepping into yet another turning point of his already glittering career. For many, Gaurav’s entry into India’s most controversial reality show came as a pleasant surprise. But for those who have followed his journey, it was simply the next chapter in a story filled with bold choices, hard work, and undeniable charisma.

🌱 Early Life and Career Beginnings

Gaurav Khanna was born on December 11 in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, into a modest family where education and discipline were deeply valued. He grew up like any other middle-class boy of the 80s and 90s, focused on academics, sports, and building a “safe” future. That “safe” future initially translated into business studies, leading him to complete his MBA and secure a respectable job as a marketing manager in an IT firm.

For many, that would have been the dream life: stability, a good paycheck, and a career ladder to climb. But for Gaurav Khanna, something was missing. That gnawing sense of unfulfillment led him to the world of entertainment, a field where uncertainty is the only guarantee.

Leaving behind his corporate comfort, he made the bold leap into acting. It was not easy. Gaurav Khanna faced repeated rejections, long days of auditions, and the common struggle of being “just another newcomer” in Mumbai. Yet, he persevered.

📺 First Steps in Television

Gaurav’s small-screen debut came around 2004–2005, when he bagged minor roles in shows like Bhabhi and later Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan. These weren’t headline-making appearances, but they gave him his first taste of television sets, the discipline of daily shoots, and the grind of an actor’s life.

The turning point came when he was cast as Senior Inspector Kavin in the iconic series CID. For years, CID had been one of India’s most-watched detective dramas, and Gaurav’s role gave him visibility, recognition, and a loyal fan base. He wasn’t just another face anymore; he was a dependable performer. Also Read: Ashnoor Kaur: The Journey from Child Prodigy to Bigg Boss 19’s Youngest Dynamo

🌟 The Anupamaa Phenomenon

While his CID stint made him known, it was Anupamaa that turned Gaurav Khanna into a household name. Entering the show as Anuj Kapadia, the suave businessman with a golden heart, Gaurav became an instant sensation. His chemistry with Rupali Ganguly, who plays Anupamaa, was nothing short of magical. Together, they redefined what mature, dignified romance on Indian television could look like.

Audiences adored Anuj’s blend of strength and sensitivity. Gaurav Khanna wasn’t the loud, aggressive hero; he was thoughtful, respectful, and deeply in love, a character rarely seen on mainstream TV. Gaurav’s nuanced performance won him not only a massive fan following but also critical acclaim, including the Indian Telly Award for Best Actor Jury.

The show propelled him to the top league of Indian television actors. He went from being a known face to a national favourite, with fans trending hashtags and showering love across social media.

🏆 Achievements Beyond Fiction

Gaurav’s career has never been one-dimensional. Alongside acting, he surprised everyone by showcasing his culinary skills in Celebrity MasterChef India and winning it. The victory proved he wasn’t just talented on screen; he had flair, discipline, and versatility in real life, too.

Financially, his rise has been phenomenal. From struggling days when he barely managed expenses, Gaurav Khanna today stands among the highest-paid actors on television, reportedly charging over ₹1.5 lakh per episode post-Anupamaa. It’s the classic rags-to-riches arc that fans find both relatable and inspiring.

❤️ The Personal Side

Beyond fame, Gaurav has always maintained a humble, grounded personality. He has been candid about his struggles and vulnerabilities. During the Bigg Boss 19 launch, he openly revealed he is colour-blind, admitting that something as ordinary as traffic lights has always been a challenge. Such honesty is rare in an industry that often thrives on gloss and perfection.

This relatability is perhaps what sets him apart. Fans don’t just admire him, they connect with him.

🎭 Bigg Boss 19: A New Battlefield

The 19th season of Bigg Boss, themed “Gharwalon Ki Sarkaar”, kicked off with Salman Khan introducing a political twist: contestants were divided into a ruling party and an opposition, with shifting power equations, elections, and fiery debates. Amid the noise, Gaurav’s entrance was calm yet impactful.

On premiere night, he danced to “Main Hoon Na”, introducing himself as a “green flag” contestant symbolising positivity and trust. The metaphor worked. Fans instantly began calling him the “safe choice” in a house full of drama.

But make no mistake, Bigg Boss is no cakewalk. It tests patience, endurance, strategy, and sometimes, even dignity. And that’s precisely why Gaurav’s decision to join at the peak of his career is fascinating. He openly stated that while many actors see Bigg Boss as a comeback platform, he wanted to do it while he was already at a high point. For Gaurav Khanna, this isn’t about revival, it’s about reinvention.

🔑 Why Gaurav’s Bigg Boss Journey Matters

The Calm in Chaos – In a show dominated by shouting matches, Gaurav’s balanced temperament could make him the “wise elder” of the house.

Strong Fan Base – His Anupamaa popularity ensures he enters with a ready army of supporters.

Strategic Mind – Coming from a corporate and acting background, he knows the power of timing and diplomacy.

Authenticity – His candid revelation about colour blindness proves he won’t hide his real self behind a façade.

🌟 Gaurav Khanna’s Legacy So Far

From a marketing executive in an IT firm to a television superstar.

From small supporting roles to becoming the lead face of prime-time television.

From struggling actor to one of the highest-paid stars.

From fictional roles to reality television battlegrounds.

Every step in his journey has been marked by risk, resilience, and reinvention.

🎬 In a Nutshell

Gaurav Khanna is not just an actor; he’s a storyteller of his own life. A man who left corporate safety for creative chaos, who endured rejection before tasting fame, who won hearts as Anuj Kapadia, and who today, at the height of his career, is daring to put himself inside the unpredictable world of Bigg Boss 19.

His journey reflects more than stardom; it reflects courage. And that’s exactly why audiences are glued to their screens, curious to see how this “green flag” navigates the red zones of reality TV.

As the drama of Bigg Boss 19 unfolds, one thing is clear: Gaurav Khanna is not here to reclaim glory. He’s here to redefine it.