In a stunning finale that kept millions glued to their screens, television heartthrob Gaurav Khanna emerged as the winner of Bigg Boss 19 on December 7, 2025. The actor, best known for his romantic portrayal of Anuj Kapadia in Anupamaa, took home the coveted trophy and a cash prize of Rs 50 lakh after defeating finalist Farrhana Bhatt in the grand finale hosted by Salman Khan.
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Quick Facts About Gaurav Khanna’s Victory
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Winner | Gaurav Khanna |
| Prize Money | Rs 50 lakh + luxury car |
| Runner-Up | Farrhana Bhatt (1st), Pranit More (2nd) |
| Finale Date | December 7, 2025 |
| Season | Bigg Boss 19 |
| Host | Salman Khan |
| Top 5 Finalists | Gaurav Khanna, Farrhana Bhatt, Pranit More, Tanya Mittal, Amaal Mallik |
| Weekly Fee | Rs 17.5 lakh (highest paid contestant) |
| Total Earnings | Approximately Rs 3.12 crore |
The Journey from Silent Player to Champion
When Gaurav Khanna entered the Bigg Boss house, he was initially considered one of the quietest contestants. Critics labeled him a “safe player” who avoided confrontation and stayed neutral in house politics. Fellow housemates even called him out for not taking sides during conflicts.
However, what many perceived as a weakness was actually a strategy. Speaking after his win, Gaurav revealed that he wanted to stand on his own terms without resorting to violence or aggression. His composed demeanor and genuine friendships, particularly with contestant Mridul Tiwari, won hearts across the nation.
The turning point came during a heated showdown with Abhishek Bajaj, a fellow contestant with whom Gaurav had shared a close bond. When an argument during a nomination task created a rift between them, Bajaj began cornering Gaurav and criticizing his personality. Rather than responding with equal hostility, Gaurav maintained his dignity while standing firm—a move that resonated deeply with viewers.
Who is Gaurav Khanna?
Born on December 11, 1981, in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, Gaurav Khanna is 43 years old and has spent over two decades building his television career. Unlike many actors who dreamed of stardom from childhood, Gaurav’s path was unconventional. After completing his MBA in Marketing, he worked as a marketing manager at an IT firm before transitioning to modeling and television commercials.
His acting debut came in 2006 with the series Bhabhi, followed by roles in shows like Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan and his first lead role in Meri Doli Tere Angana (2007). Over the years, he became a familiar face through memorable performances as Inspector Kavin in CID and roles in Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kam opposite Yami Gautam.
However, it was his portrayal of Anuj Kapadia in Anupamaa (2021) that transformed him into a household name. His on-screen chemistry with Rupali Ganguly and his sensitive portrayal of a supportive partner earned him the Indian Telly Award for Best Actor (Editorial). During his peak on Anupamaa, Gaurav reportedly earned between Rs 1.5 to 2.5 lakh per episode, making him one of the highest-paid actors in Hindi television.
A Multi-Talented Personality
Beyond acting, Gaurav Khanna surprised everyone by winning Celebrity MasterChef India 2025, taking home Rs 20 lakh and proving his culinary prowess despite being colorblind. His victory showcased a side of him the public had never seen—creative, determined, and willing to step outside his comfort zone.
Married to actress Akanksha Chamola since 2016, Gaurav maintains a relatively private personal life. During his Bigg Boss journey, he revealed intimate details about his nine-year marriage, including his desire to start a family while his wife prefers to wait—a confession that endeared him further to fans for his honesty.
Salman Khan’s Special Offer
In an exclusive post-victory interview, Gaurav Khanna dropped a bombshell: Salman Khan had offered him a project much earlier in the season, well before he won the trophy. While he didn’t reveal details, Gaurav expressed gratitude and excitement about the opportunity, hinting it’s something he genuinely wants to explore.
When asked about joining another reality show like Khatron Ke Khiladi, Gaurav laughed and said he hasn’t thought it through yet, but would give his 100 percent if the opportunity arises.
The Winning Strategy
Reflecting on his victory, Gaurav Khanna credited Salman Khan’s weekend guidance for shaping his game. He explained that Salman has a unique way of delivering important messages in a lighthearted manner, and he took every piece of advice seriously. This mindset helped him stay balanced, confident, and focused on playing his authentic game rather than getting caught up in unnecessary drama.
His friendship with Mridul Tiwari became one of the most touching aspects of his journey. When Gaurav lifted the trophy, Mridul broke down in tears—a moment that revealed the depth of their bond beyond the competitive environment.
Will He Return to Anupamaa?
Speculation about Gaurav Khanna returning to Anupamaa intensified when producer Rajan Shahi posted a video supporting him during the finale week. Fans interpreted it as a hint that he might reprise his beloved role as Anuj Kapadia. However, Gaurav clarified he has no confirmation yet and will share updates when things become clear.
The Legacy Continues
With an estimated net worth of Rs 15 crore (approximately $1.8 million) and a career spanning multiple platforms, Gaurav Khanna has proven he’s more than just a television actor—he’s a versatile entertainer who can conquer any challenge thrown his way.
For updates on Gaurav’s upcoming projects and his potential return to Anupamaa, follow Colors TV, stream the finale on JioHotstar, and check out Star Plus for the latest episodes of Anupamaa.
As Gaurav Khanna celebrates his Bigg Boss 19 victory, one truth emerges crystal clear: authenticity, kindness, and strategic patience can triumph over aggression and drama. His journey from the silent observer to the season’s champion proves that sometimes the quietest voices make the loudest impact.
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