Gaurav Khanna a known face to crores via shows like CID and Anupamaa has finally become part of Bigg Boss 19. His huge fan base and TV credentials already rank him as one of the most-discussed contestants before the August 24 launch.
Even prior to the beginning of the show, Gaurav's fan following is charged, with numerous declaring him the season's sure winner. On social media site X, fans are calling him "Bigg Boss material," believing he will "rule and win." Salman Khan hosts the show, which is back on August 24, 2025 streaming at 9 pm on JioCinema and telecasting at 10:30 pm on Colors TV.
Promo teasers featured him as the "audience ka favourite beta," with his signature charm and a foot-tapping dance.
Gaurav was born on 11 December 1981 in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh. He hails from a tight-knit middle-class family. His father, Vinod Khanna, is an exporter by profession, and his mother, Shashi Khanna, has always been a pillar of strength in his life. He has one older sister, Priya Mehrotra, with whom he enjoys very close relationships.
Family values have contributed immensely to Gaurav's down-to-earth personality despite being a star. To this day, he tends to attribute much of his grounding to his upbringing in Kanpur. His wife, TV actress Akanksha Chamola, has also been a key part of his personal and professional stability since he got married to her in 2016.
After schooling in Kanpur, Gaurav went on to further his studies and later got a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree. He initially seemed on course for a corporate job but fate had other plans.
Khanna started his career as a marketing manager in an IT company, but ultimately shifted to the field of modeling and television commercials. His first television appearance was on Bhabhi, and he then appeared in Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan and the lead in Meri Doli Tere Angana (2007).
He came into the limelight with roles such as Neil Fernandez in Jeevan Saathi, Senior Inspector Kavin in CID, Dr. Akshay Sinha in Tere Bin, and Prince Virendra Singh in Prem Ya Paheli – Chandrakanta. But his role as Anuj Kapadia in Anupamaa (2021–2024) made him a part of television history and secured him the Indian Telly Award for Best Actor (Editorial).
Enlarging his TV career, Gaurav took part in Celebrity MasterChef India's first season (2025), which he won. Noticeably, he did this while being color-blind and the sole vegetarian participant in the show—a victory that also demonstrated his adaptability and resilience.
Off the screen, Gaurav and Akanksha's union has been cheered by fans, with both consistently posting peeks into their life on social media. On Instagram, where he has over 1 million followers, Gaurav regularly interacts with fans by writing about his work, exercises, and personal achievements.
With a loyal fan base, a diverse acting resume, and an understanding family behind him, Gaurav Khanna steps onto Bigg Boss 19 with strong momentum. The show's theme of "Gharwalon Ki Sarkaar", wherein there is a political flavor dividing housemates into Ruling Party and Opposition, promises strategy, drama, and power play in equal proportion.
