Brief Introduction of Gaurav Khanna
Gaurav Khanna is a distinguished Indian television actor and model who has carved a significant niche for himself in the entertainment industry over a career spanning nearly two decades. Initially gaining recognition for his versatile roles in popular daily soaps, he became a household name with his portrayal of determined and charismatic characters. His most acclaimed performances include playing Senior Inspector Kavin in the long-running crime procedural CID and the suave, supportive businessman Anuj Kapadia in the blockbuster drama series Anupamaa. Beyond his acting prowess, Khanna has showcased his multifaceted personality by winning the inaugural season of Celebrity MasterChef India and participating in the reality show Bigg Boss 19 in 2025. His journey from the corporate world to television stardom is a testament to his dedication and passion for the performing arts.
Gaurav Khanna Overview
| Full Name | Gaurav Khanna |
| Date of Birth | 11 December 1981 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 44 |
| Birthplace | Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Profession | Actor, Model |
| Husband/Wife | Akanksha Chamola (m. 2016) |
| Family | Vinod Khanna (Father), Shashi Khanna (Mother), Priya Mehrotra (Sister) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Akanksha Chamola |
| Net Worth | Estimated between ₹8 crore and ₹18 crore (approximately $1 million – $2.1 million USD) |
Early Life and Education of Gaurav Khanna
Gaurav Khanna was born on December 11, 1981, in Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, to Vinod and Shashi Khanna. He grew up in a supportive middle-class family where his father, Vinod Khanna, was involved in the export business. Gaurav completed his schooling at Seth Anandram Jaipuria School in Kanpur, where he was an active participant in co-curricular activities like theatre and public speaking, which laid the foundation for his future career. Following his passion for education, he moved to Mumbai to pursue a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Marketing. Before venturing into the unpredictable world of entertainment, Gaurav had a stable corporate job, working as a marketing manager for an IT firm for about a year. However, his innate passion for acting eventually led him to switch careers and chase his dream in the bustling city of Mumbai.
Gaurav Khanna’s Career
Gaurav Khanna’s journey in the entertainment industry began with modeling and appearing in various television commercials, which gave him his initial exposure to the camera. He made his acting debut in 2006 with the television show Bhabhi, where he played the character of Bhuvan Sareen. This marked the beginning of a long and successful career on the small screen. He went on to star in a series of popular shows, essaying memorable characters that showcased his versatility. Some of his notable early works include Kumkum – Ek Pyara Sa Bandhan, Meri Doli Tere Angana, Jeevan Saathi, and Love Ne Mila Di Jodi. A significant role that brought him widespread recognition was opposite Yami Gautam in Yeh Pyar Na Hoga Kam, where he played the lead character, Abeer Bajpayee.
One of the most defining roles of his career came when he joined the cast of the iconic crime series CID as Senior Inspector Kavin. His portrayal of the sharp and dedicated officer made him immensely popular among audiences of all ages and solidified his position in the industry. However, his stardom reached unprecedented heights in 2021 when he entered the highly-rated Star Plus drama Anupamaa as Anuj Kapadia. His character, a mature, respectful, and successful businessman, became an instant fan favorite, and his on-screen chemistry with lead actress Rupali Ganguly was widely celebrated. This role not only earned him critical acclaim but also a massive fan following, making him one of the most beloved male leads on Indian television. He eventually exited the show in late 2024 after his character’s arc concluded.
Beyond acting, Gaurav has explored other facets of entertainment. He has hosted the dance reality show Nachle Ve with Saroj Khan and participated in celebrity game shows like 9XM’s Jalwa Four 2 Ka 1 and the Box Cricket League. In 2025, he surprised his fans by showcasing his culinary talents in the reality show Celebrity MasterChef India, emerging as the winner of the season. Continuing his reality show journey, he became a contestant on Bigg Boss Season 19 in the same year, where his calm and composed demeanor was appreciated by viewers.
Gaurav Khanna Personal Life & Family
Gaurav Khanna leads a balanced personal life alongside his demanding professional career. He is married to fellow television actress Akanksha Chamola. The couple first met during an audition where Gaurav, in a playful attempt to break the ice, pretended to be a newcomer. After dating for a period, they tied the knot on November 24, 2016, in a grand ceremony held in Gaurav’s hometown, Kanpur. The couple is known for their strong bond and often shares glimpses of their life together on social media. They have an age difference of about nine to ten years, which they have stated has never been a barrier in their relationship. As of now, the couple does not have children, a decision Gaurav has publicly supported, stating it is based on his wife’s choice. His family includes his parents, Vinod and Shashi Khanna, and an elder sister, Priya Mehrotra.
Awards and Achievements of Gaurav Khanna
- Indian Telly Award for Best Actor (Editorial) for his role in Anupamaa.
- Winner of the reality show Celebrity MasterChef India in 2025.
- Won Best Onscreen Couple (with Rupali Ganguly) at the 22nd Indian Television Academy Awards for Anupamaa.
- Nominated for multiple ITA and Gold Awards throughout his career.
- Featured among the Top 10 Most Popular Male TV Actors from 2022–2024.
Gaurav Khanna Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Gaurav Khanna’s net worth is estimated to be in the range of ₹8 crore to ₹18 crore. His primary sources of income are his acting assignments in television shows, where he is considered one of the higher-paid actors, reportedly charging between ₹1.5 lakh to ₹2.5 lakh per episode for his role in Anupamaa. His earnings are supplemented by his participation in high-profile reality shows like Bigg Boss and Celebrity MasterChef India, where he not only received appearance fees but also a significant cash prize as the winner. Furthermore, brand endorsements, television commercials, and social media promotions contribute significantly to his overall wealth. His lifestyle includes a luxurious apartment in Mumbai and a collection of vehicles, including an Audi A6 and a Royal Enfield motorcycle.
Legacy and Influence
Gaurav Khanna has established a legacy as a versatile and dependable actor in the Indian television industry. He is particularly influential for his portrayal of modern, respectful, and progressive male characters, most notably Anuj Kapadia in Anupamaa. This role resonated deeply with audiences and was praised for breaking stereotypes of the typical “male lead,” presenting a character that is both successful and emotionally intelligent. His consistent performances over two decades have earned him respect from peers and a loyal fan base. By successfully venturing into reality television and demonstrating skills beyond acting, such as cooking, he has broadened his appeal and cemented his status as a multi-talented personality in the Indian entertainment landscape.
Interesting Facts about Gaurav Khanna
- Before becoming an actor, Gaurav Khanna worked as a marketing manager in an IT firm.
- He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.
- During his time on Celebrity MasterChef India, he revealed that he is color-blind.
- He is a fitness enthusiast and enjoys gymming and painting in his free time.
- He is also a skilled dancer and has participated in and hosted dance-related reality shows.
- When he first met his wife, Akanksha Chamola, at an audition, he playfully introduced himself with a fake name to start a conversation.
Controversies
Gaurav Khanna’s career has been largely free of major controversies. However, during his winning stint on Celebrity MasterChef India, he faced allegations of plagiarism for a dessert he created, with some social media users claiming it was copied from a Swiss chef. Chef Vikas Khanna, a judge on the show, came to his defense, and Gaurav later addressed the issue by stating that inspiration is common in creative fields and that he was proud of his hard work and the final dish he presented. More recently, during his participation in Bigg Boss 19, he faced backlash from some viewers for refusing to take on cooking duties, which seemed contradictory to his MasterChef title. His team clarified that the high-pressure, fine-dining environment of MasterChef is vastly different from cooking daily meals for a large group in the Bigg Boss house.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – Over 1.7 million followers
- Twitter – Not publicly available
- YouTube – Not publicly available
Final Words about Gaurav Khanna
Gaurav Khanna remains a prominent and respected figure in the Indian television industry. With his recent successful forays into reality television, he has demonstrated his versatility and ability to connect with audiences beyond scripted roles. His portrayal of Anuj Kapadia in Anupamaa has left an indelible mark on viewers, becoming one of the most beloved characters in recent television history. Having concluded his journey on the show, he is reportedly looking to explore new opportunities, particularly in the OTT space, to further challenge himself as an actor. His journey from a corporate professional to a celebrated actor and reality show winner continues to inspire many, and his future projects are eagerly awaited by his extensive fan base.
